Chapter 1
Who Are God's Children?

Chapter 2
The Mystery of Faith and Grace

Chapter 2 B
Faith Versus Rationalism

Chapter 3
What Every Christian Should Know
About The Old Testament

Chapter 4
The Gospel, Power From On High

Chapter 4 B
A God of Power Today!

Chapter 5
The Tradition of Clergy and Laity

Chapter 6
A PRIMER ON PROPHECY
A Primer On Prophecy - Part 1

A Primer On Prophecy - Part 2
Prophecies Concerning Jesus and Israel

A Primer On Prophecy - Part 3
Prophecy of the Rapture

A Primer On Prophecy - Part 4
Signs of the Times Expressed In Six Areas

A Primer On Prophecy - Part 5
End Times Prophetically Described by Paul

A Primer On Prophecy - Part 6
The Day of the Lord: A Day of Judgment is Coming

Chapter 7
The Power of Spoken Words

Chapter 8
The World, The Flesh and The Devil
The World
The Flesh
The Devil

Once Saved Can We Lose the Gift of Salvation?

Chapter 1

ARE WE ALL GOD'S CHILDREN

In this present world there is great confusion about any and all spiritual matters. Millions of people are connected to a religion or a denomination that embraces a world view which values inclusion. The the spirit of the age embraces the idea that God made all of us just the way we are, quirks and all. People walk in a way that seems right to themselves. This prevailing world view discounts or is unaware of the Biblical truth concerning who are or may become the "Children of God. The first verses in John's Gospel point to the reality of BECOMING a child of God. We discover that there is a transformational state which is involved in becoming one of God"s own children. It is, we discover, confined to those "who believe on Jesus' name."

What the Bible Says

John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." (In this passage the "right" is Gk. exousia, which means permission or authority.)

The question may be asked, "Who are his own?" Are they the Jews under God"s covenant or does it refer to all of the human race? I think the answer is yes, both. The message of salvation comes to the Jew first and then the world (nations) gentiles.

In John, the first chapter, we find that those who receive him (Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah) will receive the Power which is Gk. exousia which means authority or permission. At this point we are to understand that not all will receive Jesus. They as unbelievers can not be among those who may call themselves "sons of God, or children of God." God has no grandchildren (https://youtu.be/9FUIkeQkjcI) and each who come to him must come on the strength of their own faith and calling.

1 John 3:1 - Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. 
1John 3:2  Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

John 6:37 All (they) that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out. The notion that all of humanity are the "Children of God" although a popular "ecumenical" belief viewpoint is a Universalist theology. Universalism is a view that all humanity will go to heaven and none are punished in hell. The universalist doctrine is one that has been offered by the now pope, Pope Francis 1.

I find this belief to be the current doctrinal understanding in many of the mainline Christian churches. Universalists uphold the comforting belief that man is essentially good and that a wise, all-compassionate God will certainly acknowledge that one's best human efforts will grant them an eternal heavenly reward based on their best intentions motivation and actions. It is a belief that seems most fair to the natural mind. The view that all are children of God is also allows a tenant of Buddhism where "all paths eventually lead to God."

We must turn to Jesus' words to be reconciled to the reality, There is "a broad path that leads to destruction, by which many go.. "Mat_7:13  Enter ye in by the narrow gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many are they that enter in thereby. And also: Pro_16:25  There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.

Jesus speaks of a narrow path. This narrow path leads through Jesus of Nazareth himself. He is the one access point, the door. He said, "No one comes to the 'Father' but through me." This narrow way has always been the pathway that brings offense and causes many to stumble. Also see: John 6:44: (Jesus speaking of those who come to believe in him) No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

Why is the path that leads to salvation such a limited one?

This chapter rightly belongs among the Mysteries of God. Is the WAY so restricted that it limits access to but a few? The belief of a hidden or limited path is rejected by the mass of humanity. Proofs are found in the New Testament but veiled and hinted in the Old Testament. The Holy Bible teaches that only those who are "born of God are the children of God." 1 John C.3, (The Jewish traditions honors the title of God by rendering the divine name God, ha shem or JHVH, Yahweh.)

"Our Father Who Art in Heaven.. "

This familiar prayer memorized by most Christians begins with this declaration. Does this validate the universalist view point or does it suggest another reality? We give little thought to the first phrase of the "Lord's Prayer" because it has lost any kind of meaning since we have learned to pray it religiously countless times.' We never contemplate the profound implications that it had among those who originally heard it recited by the Messiah himself. A change was to come in the status of humanity from "children of wrath" to children of God. See Eph_2:3  Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Remember in the days that Yeshua (Jesus) of Nazareth, ministered on earth. The Jewish authorities held that God had no son. The same doctrine is held by Islam today. It is emblazoned upon the Al Aqsa mosque on the dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.

Why did Jesus so thoroughly offend the Jewish authorities of his day? Because they said he made himself equal with God declaring that God was his father. This was blasphemy according to their understanding of Mosaic law. It continues to be a critical point of contention held by any orthodox Jew today. Since in Jewish tradition, God is "Echad" "one," the rabbis concluded that Yeshua can not be the Messiah because he made himself equal with JHVH. The Sanhedrin, of Jesus' day, crucified Jesus for this "blasphemy."

Jesus instructed his disciples to pray to the heavenly Father even as he himself did. This new relationship foretold a new relationship that would soon come, not to affirm to them that "we are all God's children." This point of view of course is questioned by credentialed church leaders today. Only a closer study of the Bible texts will bring light to settle the matter.

Christians Before the Resurrection?

I have heard many Christian leaders actually call Yeshua's disciples "Christians" during his earthly ministry. They were not Christians since the church had not come into being yet. They were disciples and followers of Yeshua of Nazareth. His disciples believed him to be the Messiah, the promised King of Israel and it was hoped that he would soon begin ruling as such. After Pentecost the disciples of Jesus identified themselves as being followers of "the way" of their Messiah. It was at the birth of the church age. At Pentecost the supernatural "Power of God" (The Holy Spirit) transformed the spiritual nature of the disciples into "sons and daughters of God. It was a few years later that followers of the way were called Christians in Antioch Syria.

The identity of Jesus as the "Son of the Living God" was was given to Peter by revelation of the Holy Spirit. (Matthew 16:16) The question that Jesus asked his disciples that day is one of the most important questions that the entire human race will need to answer, both then and now! Thereafter the disciples believed that Jesus was truly the Messiah and the Son of the Living God. They carried this belief for the duration of their days with him. Nevertheless they stumbled at what it meant when Jesus spoke of his destiny to die in Jerusalem to fulfill his Father's will.

Finally, the original disciples did not attain the status of sonship until after Jesus breathed upon them bringing spiritual regeneration (salvation to them) and empowered life to them. (John 20:22) (Luke 24:45) They were then prepared to received the "promise of the Father" (Acts C.1 vs 4) the full immersion into the Spirit Acts C,2) was an outpouring of the Holy Spirit to bring Spirit empowered life. The Spirit of Truth would take that which Jesus would supply in word or action to minister through his disciples with the various anointings that Jesus' ministry required. Therefore, the sonship that was promised in the above prayer was spoken in advance of any of the disciples actually becoming "children of the Father."

Proverbs 30:4 - An Old Testament Statement Testifying of God's Son

"Who hath ascended up into heaven, or descended? who hath gathered the wind in his fists? who hath bound the waters in a garment? who hath established all the ends of the earth? what is his name, and what is his son's name, if thou canst tell?"

Jesus' Parable of the Wheat and the Tares; A Proof Text That We Are Not All God's Children.

Matthew 13: 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 He answered and said unto them, He that sows the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world.

The above passage indicates that those sitting next to us in a pew, who we presume to be Christians, may be among the tares. Others from another denomination or religion may likewise be among the tares, unregenerate humanity. The appearance of goodness or moral standing is no guarantee that they are among the called and redeemed. Only God has this knowledge. Sorry! The Bible does not teach the equality of all religions.

Who is it that determines whether or not we qualify for the title of God's children? The Father knows those who are His own. This will become abundantly clear when the in-gathering, final harvest occurs at the end of the age. We who have been "born from above" have this witness that we are the children of God. From the viewpoint of any casual observer, believers are indistinguishable from unbelievers. Churches and cults imagine themselves display confidence in their righteous standing; that they are the elect and beloved of God. But have they had their names written in the "Book of Life?" Have they been "born again?"

The Gospel of Grace declares that our status of adopted sons and daughters may be received as a free gift. It is not awarded because of meritorious religious works or righteous deeds. God Himself initiates this transaction supernaturally. He answers those who cry out with a sincere heart.

Anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved!
(Joel 2:32) 32 "And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be delivered: (saved) for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the Lord hath said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call."

Why Jesus Taught in Parables

Matthew 13: 10 "And the disciples came, and said unto him, Why speak unto them in parables? 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing, see not; and hearing, they hear not, neither do they understand." You man ask how can God be fair? According to the knowledge and wisdom of God some are called and Equipped but are unchosen. This is clearly a mystery among mysteries. God prepares the heart of those he calls at at time of His choosing.

Proof Texts from the Gospel of John

John 1:11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name: 13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. (In this passage the "right" is Gk. exousia, which means permission or authority.) In John, the first chapter, we find that those who receive him (Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah) those who will receive, he gives the Power (Gk. exousia) which means authority or permission. Again we are to understand that not all will receive Jesus. They can not be among those who may call themselves "sons of God, or children of God."

John 6:37 All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.

John 14.6 - - Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me. It is the Father in heaven who makes the decision about those who will be drawn forth or "chosen" for the title of Son of God. But the qualifying fact is that they are to come to the Father through only one channel, that of the Son, who is also called the door of the sheep fold. Believing in God you do well, so do the demons and they tremble; But to go into the sheep fold by any other means is not permitted. (John 10: 7-10)

John the apostle writes in his first Epistle 1 John:3 :
3 Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knows us not, because it knew him not. 2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

John continues to clarify the identifying traits of those who are God's children and the children of the devil later in the same chapter:
(1 John 3:9) Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God"s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. (10) By this the children of God and the children of the devil can be distinguished: Anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is anyone who does not love his brother.

Worldly Christians it seems, are far more engaged in pursuit of worldly rewards, name, fame, power, recognition, and acquisition of things. They have set their hearts (the seat of affections) upon things of this world that perish, and not things which are eternal / heavenly. John has exhorted against this pitfall,

"Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." (1 John 2:15)

Some have debated the reality of Good vs. Evil.
The Bible makes it clear; there are some human beings who are Evil and some who are Good. The good news is that we can change that status once we realize the truth about our fallen nature. Ephesians 2:v3 explains:
We were in times past counted among the children of the evil one. But in God's time we were delivered from that state and translated into the Kingdom of God's dear son. AMPC translation of Ephesians 2:3 - - Among these we as well as you once lived and conducted ourselves in the passions of our flesh [our behavior governed by our corrupt and sensual nature], obeying the impulses of the flesh and the thoughts of the mind [our cravings dictated by our senses and our dark imaginings]. We were then by nature children of [God"s] wrath and heirs of [His] indignation, like the rest of mankind.

This is the Phillips translation of the same verse:
To you, who were spiritually dead all the time that you drifted along on the stream of this world"s ideas of living, and obeyed its unseen ruler (who is still operating in those who do not respond to the truth of God), to you Christ has given life! We all lived like that in the past, and followed the impulses and imaginations of our evil nature, being in fact under the wrath of God by nature, like everyone else. The final thought is this; we can be changed. We can be rescued from destruction.

Rescued From the Wrath to Come

Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians states: For God appointed us not unto wrath, but unto the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, (1 Thes. 5:9). We know that the wrath of God will come upon all who have not chosen to follow the promised redemption of the Messiah. Like a snare it will come upon all who dwell upon the face of the earth. (Luke 21:35) This warning was from the Lord himself speaking of the wrath at the end of the age.

We can escape the wrath to come both temporal and spiritual. We can change our parentage from a fallen child of the evil one; (a son of Adam or daughter of Eve) into becoming a child of the living God.

Christ has redeemed us. We are redeemed from the curse of the law, Christ having been made a curse on our behalf. (Galatians 3:13)

The consequences of not receiving our Savior Redeemer: John 3:16 to 3:18 The offer of redemption is made clear in these verses:
16) For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved. 18 "He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that the light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. And finally Chapter 3 of John concludes with this verse for further emphasis: 3:36) He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."

C. Pinkney"s Christian Titles Index

Chapter 2

THE MYSTERY OF FAITH AND GRACE

It is the Glory of God to Conceal a Matter,
It is the Glory of Kings to Search out a Matter. Proverbs 25:2

"But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians 2:7 Which none of the princes of this world knew: (2:7) for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1Co 2:9 ¶ But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. Tools specific to 1Co 2:11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God." But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14
 
       Revelation and inspiration result from searching, knocking and asking. As simple as it may sound, these pathways that lead a seeker into the knowledge of the mysteries of God is not easy to discover. "God is a Spirit," says the scripture. His divine existence is one that can only be perceived, believed on a non-sensing level. If I say that I know God, whom you neither know nor see, you can only judge my assertions on the basis of my personal credibility. Some spokes persons for God or more credible than others. The early apostles did not so much argue the existence of God as a theory or concept but to prove His existence by supernatural attestations that demonstrated the Power of God. (1Corinthians 2). So we have the task of proving to a materialistic, non-believing world that God is real and that He still has a part in the day-to-day affairs of this world and its people.

It is a very great mystery that it is God who calls us to have fellowship with Him. It is God who equips us to grow and minister through Him. It is God who preserves and keeps us until he gathers his called out people unto himself. So you see, it is very little about our performance or goodness. It is the gift of God that prevails throughout the life of a believer.

Introduction

Progressive Revelation

First let me preface this topic by stating the principle that persons without the Spirit, the "natural man (persons)" do not, can not know God! They are wearing the spiritual blinders common to all humanity. The first step to progressive revelation is to be born of God. This allows them to be partakers of heavenly things and Christ's divine nature. Thereafter they can read the work of God or scripture and derive understanding from it. Prior to this time it is sealed to them. Their eyes have the veil of spiritual blindness that is removed through Christ.

     God is a god of mysteries and hidden things. The parables taught by Yeshua (Jesus) had within them truth at varying levels, plain story-level truth and higher spiritual level revelation. There is and always was that matter of hidden truth. To Christ's disciples it was given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of God while others received no more than a moral homily. God reveals himself to some and not to others. Heaven and its mysteries are not laid bare for any to intrude upon as there are defining limits between darkness and heavenly light. The Bible truths and hidden mysteries are not delineated as point by point, topic by topic facts and realities. Thus the key to unpacking and deciphering the Word of God can not be achieved strictly by academic skills and study alone. Without the Holy Spirit which is the teacher and discipler of truth we are limited pretty much to the moral homily level of the listener.

We are given understanding in the light of Yeshua (Jesus) in a line by line, precept upon precept, understanding that Jesus is the Word of God, Itself the greatest mystery. For when the Scripture is made known in its completeness we shall See Him as He IS.

The following writings deal with the subject of Mysteries. They do little more than introduce the topics of God's mysteries, some of the mysteries. There remains, more, much more to be gleaned within these domains of study. Moreover, there are likely more and more mysteries and mysteries within mysteries which will come into our field of view in due time. Revelation is progressive and always deepening as His truth is being revealed by God's Holy Spirit in God's divine time. God is withholding certain things from us because it is not yet His time. Contrary to some ecclesiastical authorities we do not have all the answers (facts) as to Who God is and what His complete plan is for His Body, The Church (another mystery).

Matthew 16:16 "But who do you say ye that I am?"
Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter, answers and says, "You are the Messiah, the son of the Living God." Jesus then tells Peter, "- - - Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. This is an example of how we
(3) receive knowledge of hidden things, Mysteries revealed by God 1Corinthians 2:0 - -"Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those that love him. 10: But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11. For man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God, know man knows, but the Spirit of God."

No scripture is of private interpretation. The word of God means only what God has intended it to mean. The apostles of the first church established the precise understandings and parameters of doctrine that stand for all generations.
There is today an apostate movement that would tell us that certain, elected prophets and apostles have equal or greater knowledge to the early apostles. This is a dangerous deception. Any and all current revelations must square with the word of faith first presented by the fathers. (Jude 3)

Various Uses of the Religious term "Faith"

"FAITH" A GENERIC RELIGIOUS TERM REFERRING TO BELIEF IN A RELIGION; A PERSON WITHOUT "FAITH" MIGHT CONSIDER HIMSELF/or herself AN ATHEIST. One can argue that they still have faith in something e.g. SCIENCE, or COMMON SENSE

THE FAITH OF ABRAHAM: "HE BELIEVED GOD AND IT WAS CONSIDERED HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS" "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness."

THE "FORMULA FOR FAITH" AS GIVEN IN HEBREWS 1:16

All active actions of faith are exemplified by this principle: "But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him." My faith definition is knowing that God is working continuously with you; even in the, here and now, in our present moment or crisis.

EXAMPLES OF WHEN THE GIFT OF FAITH IS NEEDED:
To Be "BORN AGAIN"
To Be ENABLED To Walk On Water,
To HAVE FAITH TO CALM A STORM, ETC.
Faith is provided to enable the believer supernaturally in matters that are not possible without the enablement of Almighty God.

We can not come to believe in Jesus nor seek redemption without the Spirit drawing us. "For to each of us is given the measure of faith." No one can believe unless God provides each individual with "a measure of faith; the measure needed for us; therefore it (4) is a gift from God. (Rom_12:3  For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.)

THE "WORD OF FAITH MOVEMENT" BEGAN TO LOSE ITS WAY
I and many others started out in the Kenneth Hagin, Norvell Hayes, Kenneth Copeland school of faith. This has come to be known by some as the The Hyper-faith teaching. After a time its practitioners began to demean and misjudge those who lacked the faith needed for health and prosperity. If anyone failed to speak with anything other than faith-filled words and positive confessions, they might be judged harshly. In time many grew to have more "faith in faith" than faith in God.

There are Biblical instances when not all of the apostles experienced healing or deliverance from hardship. 1 Peter 4:12 "Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you."} Yes, Christians can and have always suffered affliction, hardships and trials and yes some of died while serving God faithfully.

YET IT IS CLEAR THAT WE LIVE A LIFE OF FAITH
And We Pray for GOD To Meet Our Needs by His Provision and Strength.

There are many great and precious promises that can guide our prayers. 2Pe_1:4  whereby he hath granted unto us his precious and exceeding great promises; that through these ye may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world by lust."

CHRISTIAN PRACTICES THAT HAVE FAITH AS THE FOUNDATION:
Such As:
We live by Faith and not by sight, the Spiritual world becomes known and manifest to us. "The Prayer Of Faith" mentioned in Jame's epistle includes provision for healing the sick; There are various gifts of healing available as the Lord directs.

Baptisms: We are baptized into the New Creation (baptized into Christ's Body;
We are baptized into the fullness of the Spirit, (Holy Spirit Baptism;

Faith and renewal in the Lord's Supper;
We acknowledge the provisions of Christ's sacrifice. We acknowledge that there has been an exchange at the cross for us;.a wonderful study in itself.

Faith to receive the things Jesus prayed for:
Jesus prayed for the provision that the Father would ensure for his own in his prayer of consecration in John. {Chapter 17.)

MARK 16 FAITH; See Mark 16:15-18 "Mar 16:17}  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  Mar 16:18  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover." 

(5) Faith That We Are Given Authority in the Spirit Realm; Believers have authority over demons

BELIEFS currently prevalent that have replaced Biblical Faith.

Rationalism. Belief that human reason should be our supreme authority (a belief which, ironically, we cannot prove by human reason).
Egalitarianism. Belief that all people should be given equality of opportunity and outcome regardless of (enter classes of your choice).
Naturalism. Belief that the natural world is all there is " there is no divine being.
Libertarianism. Belief that people should have unfettered freedom in every area of life (except where they do harm to others as defined by the elite.)
Relativism. Belief that there is no such thing as ultimate truth (which is, famously, a claim to ultimate truth).  Salvation by works. Belief that God accepts us on the basis of what we do.

BELIEFS COMMON TO THE NATURAL MAN/PERSON

Hedonism. Belief that pleasure is the aim of life and will satisfy me.
(Witchcraft and Luciferianism) Which seeks Control and Manipulation to gain advantage to ourselves.
Materialism. Belief that money and possessions will satisfy me and natural things guide my world view. Decisions like these about what beliefs to hold are being made daily by everyone we encounter. The person who sits opposite you at work; the person you talk to occasionally on the train; the teacher who advances a particular idea in your local school.

FAITH - VS. REASON AND EVIDENCE

Does science supersede religious faith? Atheists tend to point to hard science to disprove "faith". Surely they think the vast universe somehow disproves and displaces God. Most evolutionists, and scientists like Carl Sagon, Christopher Hitchens, Stephen Hawking would exemplify this.

God Choses those will believe and follow:
Who God has chosen? 1Corinthians 1:26 
"For you see your calling, brethren, that not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to put to shame the things which are mighty; 28 and the [m]base things of the world and the things which are despised God has chosen, and the things which are not, to bring to nothing the things that are, 29 that no flesh

should glory in His presence."

GRACE ACCESSED THROUGH FAITH

Faith and the Grace of God

  Grace is everything that God has provided Is providing, And will provide, On our behalf. Grace is what God does, Yielding and Obeying Is what we do.

 A Bible Example of Faith in Action
Faith and Grace
Faith Grows as a Fruit as we study the Word of God
Jesus Lived by Faith
Jesus Taught and Demonstrated Faith in Action
 

A Bible Example of Faith in Action
 
To continue the idea of response to God or his Word:
We can find it portrayed in the Gospel story in Matthew 14:28. In this account, Peter sees Jesus walking upon the surface of the water, an act quite impossible in the natural world unless of course the water be frozen. Peter, always adventurous, tells Jesus that he would like to join him in walking on the water, (but only if it truly is Jesus). The faith sequence is portrayed by Jesus telling Peter to "come." Peter himself, then proceeds to approach Jesus, walking on the water. When he removes his eyes from the master and begins to sink, Peter began to notice the waves and the storm, when his faith was replaced by reason and doubt, Peter began to sink.

An indispensable element of the equation is the fact that Jesus spoke directly to Peter and said, "Come."

Jesus spoke A Rhema word directly to Peter. Peter acted upon that word from the Lord. It was not Peter's ability to transcend the laws of nature but the power of the Word of God, which formed all of the natural world in the beginning. It was this Word that held Peter up miraculously. This was faith in action.

In the present day we do not often get "rhemas" to walk on water but if His voice tells you, "Walk." you should respond. If it tells you, "Sing." you should resound. If it tells you "Go." you should respond. If it tells you, "Stop."you should respond. This is acting in response with faith.

Faith and Grace

The natural human mind, emotions and will (the human soul) would not seek God, could not believe, and it has no inherent goodness in itself. Though not all of our souls are that of (7) arch villains or wholly reprobate, everyone in the human race "-falls short of the glory of God." Therefore our faith is first given to us by God. His provision or spiritual endowment is GRACE.

Grace is everything which God has provided and will provide, working (spiritually) on our behalf. Grace is what God does! Yielding and obeying is what we do!

In the beginning all of Paul's letters, Paul begins with a certain phrase. I believe these words were written by the Spirit of God to provide a living rhema capable of empowering our faith as we read. This greeting by the apostle is charged with Spiritual Power, that phrase is, "Grace be unto you -," sometimes it is accompanied by "and Peace - " This "invocation" has come to be ritualized in church ceremonies but in its initial form, I believe it was Paul's intent that it be, a blessing of faith. A prayer of faith is a spoken proclamation which is intended to achieve a Spiritual result. The sinner's prayer is a prayer in faith that brings salvation. See my 5 minute video.

Grace is the working of a Spiritual God on our behalf. Grace is linked to the term "anointing", which is the manifestation of power and presence of God working upon one of his servants at a certain time.

It is the Father in heaven who sends His Spirit to help us in every way including to believe. This is an act of GRACE. Grace is that which God does or supplies freely on our behalf. Grace too is spiritual. It is a "Spiritual Fuel" which allows faith to work.

Salvation through grace and faith is described in Ephesians 2:8, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:"

Faith Grows as a Fruit as we study the Word of God

Faith grows as a consequence of studying the Scriptures which are the repository of God's mind and wisdom. The entrance of God's word brings "life" and "light" as the psalmist declares. God's Word begins to redirect our thought processes and renews our minds to conform to God's thought. If we have little understanding of the Word, it follows that we can not be persons of faith. But again I promise you, God provides Grace and anointing to follow Him and know His word.

Faith is cumulative, like a living entity it grows and develops as a fruit. Hearing the Word of God spoken builds faith. (Faith comes by hearing.) Reading the Scriptures aloud is a powerful faith building exercise. Speaking the Word of God with our own mouths builds and activates faith. For example when it says in Scripture, "Fear not, for I the Lord am with you." We may activate faith by saying aloud, "I will not fear for you Lord, are with me."

"If we believe we shall see the glory of God."

(8) John 11:40: "Jesus saith unto her, Said I not unto thee, that, if thou believe, thou will see the glory of God?
If we do not believe, we can not see God's manifested glory. Unbelief does not activate faith. God does not violate our unyielding will and unbelief. As we move toward God in faith, he moves toward us.

Jesus Lived by Faith

Isaiah 11 is a prophetic scripture describes Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah. In it he is described as the one who does not judge by seeing of his eyes nor the hearing of his ears; this is the essential formula for any faith-filled child of God. Truth and the life of God are born in the heart of the children of God. (Jesus was the first born of many brethren.) In the days of the created son of God, Adam and Eve, the knowledge of God was part of their life. Godly wisdom were resident in their hearts; The fall was initiated by seeing with the natural eyes and hearing with the natural ears world and knowledge of good and evil was predicated on the natural world and not faith.

Some may wish to argue that Jesus was too much like God and thus exempted from the life of faith that is required of us. I do not believe that this was the case. I believe that Jesus of Nazareth acted as the "son of man," Jesus Christ was faithful in word and deed. continuously from His youth onwards. It is said of Jesus, that he was full of Grace and Truth.

Php 2:5  "Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  Php 2:6  who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,  Php 2:7  but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;  Php 2:8  and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.  Php 2:9  Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;" 

Two things are evident here: First that Jesus had knowledge of and lived by the Word (Scriptures) The Scriptures are the source of Faith. The son of God did not did not operate as God in this world but as the son of man, thus he operated under faith which pleases God and so demonstrated this principle to all of us! "This is my beloved son in whom I am well pleased." (Matthew 3:17, Luke 3:22)

Another point in support of this thesis is that Jesus walked in faith is the Scripture which we quote from Habakkuk 2:4, " - -the just shall live by his faith." Whose faith we may ask? The answer I believe, is Christ (the Lord.) Therefore if it is his faith which empowers us, he must therefore be preeminent in the exercise and use of faith.

Jesus obeyed the word of the Father with whom he was in Spiritual union. It was the Father's voice and Jesus' response to his Father's voice, the Rhema, which characterizes Christ's life of faith for all of us, his disciples.

(9) Jesus Taught and Demonstrated Faith in Action

Jesus likewise, demonstrated faith by action. Thus both Jesus' words and actions initiated a life under God's control. His spoken words were with the tone of authority, they brought a result which was often miraculous. Miracles are spiritual intervention in the natural order, thus they are considered supernatural.

To receive any manifestation from God we must act upon faith. We must say or do something. (Romans 10:9,10, we see the principle of Faith described that results in the new birth "for with the heart we believe and with the mouth we confess.") Only true and sincere belief causes God to honor faith. God looks upon the heart of man. We can not partake in faith through someone elses revelation. We can not walk on water because Jesus told Peter to come forth. Our faith must be personal and it must be sincere knowing with assurance that His Word was given to us.

Finally, friend of God, to summarize: All spiritual promises are reached through the door of faith. To see the promises of God actualized requires faith. With faith all things are possible. "

 

Chapter 3

WHAT EVERY CHRISTIAN SHOULD KNOW

ABOUT THE OLD TESTAMENT

(The OT was the only Bible at the time of the first Christian disciples and apostles. If you are a new Christian you may not fully understand the importance of the Old Testament Bible. At least that was my case. I was terribly ignorant about how the Christian faith came forth out of the Jewish election and covenant with God. As Paul describes our dept to Judaism, we were a wild olive branch that was grafted in to the root of the Natural root of Israel. (Romans 11:17)

The typical Bible we see today contains 66 books of which 39 are found in the Old Testament. We understand that the Old Testament (OT, or Hebrew Tanakh) is comprised of 4 categories of writing:

1. The Law (Pentateuch or the 5 books of Moses*;) The first book of Genesis* has a special place of importance in the word of God as it is the fountain head of first principles and beginnings. It is the book of "first mentions." Genesis establishes important "typologies" that carry through the entire Bible.
2. The historical books; Samuel, Kings, Chronicles, 1st and second valumes, etc.
3. The poetic and wisdom books, including the Psalms*, Proverbs, Song of Solomon, Ecclesiastes;
4. The prophets. The books of the prophets include both the major and the minor prophets. Every prophet spoke with 100% accuracy in that which they spoke by the mind and Spirit of God. To fail to do so would be punishable by death. The major prophets wrote greater numbers of chapters but the minor prophets covered events that included the scope of time from contemporary events to the end of the age.
3.* It is clear that Psalms were also prophetic as Jesus stated that he must fulfill all things written in the law, the prophets and the psalms. It is a giant step to go from a Bible illiterate to a believer. You may call it a leap of faith because only through God"s grace is this possible. This transition is a journey from blindness to sight and from having only natural understanding to possessing what can be called a renewed or God-focused mind. "The heart of man is deceitful and desperately wicked, who can know it?" says the prophet in Jeremiah 17:9. That is a profound question to be answered. Only those who have been graced by the power of God can say they know it.

      When I first became a Christian I began slowly to grow in the knowledge of the Bible. Before this I had no interest, no knowledge, nor any trust in the veracity and importance of the Bible. Owing to the church experiences I was exposed to prior to being born again, I had only an inkling of the importance of the Bible"s Old Testament. These churches held "Reformed Theology" doctrine.

I was familiar with the Bible "stories" told in Sunday school but these, I thought were tales for kids and not to be taken seriously. We had the Garden of Eden story; The Noah and the ark story; The David and Goliath story; The Moses and the Israelites and Egypt story. The Hebrew children in the fiery furnace story, and the familiar Daniel and the lion"s den story. These were great stories but how should any grownup regard these?

I thought that the New Testament is for Christians. There was not much to be drawn from the Old Testament books. I questioned if they had relevance at all to the Christian religion today. I even wrote to a well known ministry to address the question, "What is the importance of the Old Testament?" I received no answer to my question.

I had no idea then, that the Old Testament was such a deep well of knowledge pertaining to the plan of God and the place and destiny of humanity on this planet. God saw in the beginning the need for a plan of redemption on behalf of fallible and fallen humanity. The Almighty foresaw an angelic rebellion and the fall of His human creation. He before creation "in the beginning" had foreseen the need and the solution of how to redeem the world and regain perfection, again. The plan was to have a "new Adam" who would be a "redeemer" whose purpose was to restore a fallen humanity. This plan was to be enabled by a particular "set-apart" people who would be the vehicle of bringing forth the redeemer and through an "elect people and nation" His glory would be restored and the adversary would be judged and removed from his stronghold upon humanity. (Daniel 9:24-27)

The Almighty Creator God saw from the beginning in countless ages past what would transpire to his creation on earth. God exists outside of time and space and supernaturally sees the end from the beginning. This includes the destinies of you and me and our time and place in this world! Now that is a marvelous thing and something to think about!

See this proof text; A God outside of time!

"Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me, Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure": (Isaiah 46:9-10)

The Bible Which Jesus and the Disciples Knew

We should be aware that in the days of Jesus and his disciples and apostles the only bible available was the Old Testament. This was the source used to validate the covenants and promises of God concerning the prophesied Messiah. The Old Covenant scripture contains the Mosaic writings, the Pentateuch; the history of God"s elect people; the Psalms and the prophetic writings. The "New Testament" addition was made a part of the "Canon of Scriptures" only after the fourth century ad. (325 ad)

The purposes and claims of Jesus could be fully validated in the books of Moses, the prophets and the Psalms. The Old Testament contained numerous pre-incarnational appearances of Yeshua, Jesus. These were times when Jehovah (JHVH) physically manifested to Abraham, Moses Joshua, Jacob and others. Such appearances are known as Theophanies. In such appearances he is often referred to as "the Angel of the Lord." In Joshua he is identified as the Captain of the Lord"s Armies or the Lord of Hosts.

Certainly the Old Testament (The Hebrew Tenakh) is not an easy subject but it effectively foresees the timeline of the world from the beginning to the end of the age through the declarations of the prophets. The prophets had to be 100% perfect to make God's purposes and plans known. The depth of cohesiveness or consistency throughout the OT is amazing, yes, miraculous. It bears witness to the divine authorship and its symbolic depiction of the person of Messiah in every book of the Bible.

The Book of Genesis

The book of Genesis is an exceptional and deeply challenging document. It is called the book of beginnings. It begins with the creation story but maybe it would be better stated as the recreation story. The universe is formed, the earth is formed and all life is formed by God upon the earth. But in the second verse of Genesis Chapter 1 we find the mysterious mention of a world in disruption and disorder, formless and void is taken from the Hebrew as a chaotic formlessness as though the world is being restored from a prior act of disruption. First man is told to replenish the earth. This is also hinting at civilizations lost in antiquity past.

Science has long clashed with theologians over the concept of creationism and whether the creation was an old long term time line or whether is was a literal 6 day creation. Christian science authorities differ as well but such matters do not impact faith and fundamentals of salvation in the Lord Jesus.

The Garden and The Fall of Adam and Eve

It is a certainty that God created the first humans in this earth age. He created them perfect. He set them in a pristine garden paradise and made them to have dominion over all manner of life on earth. In this garden there was a tree whose fruit if eaten would result in calamity. It would test the obedience of the man and woman. Meanwhile, another supernatural being has found access to the garden. He is a rebel and an enemy of God, the tempter. This being is described as being reptilian. How did this once, anointed, perfection of beauty become a reptilian? This remains is an untold story. How did he came into the picture to disrupt God"s purposes and what is the backstory of his previous existence is never fully explained and open to conjecture. Through the ages we have come to know him by many names including Satan and the Adversary.

The Edenic World Is Entirely Devastated by The Fall

The aftermath of the fall was devastating and world changing. It destroyed the humanity"s dominion and Satan became the default "god of this world." Adam"s sin brought the sentence of death upon the human race. The fall destroyed the entire biosphere and ecosystems of the planet. We are living with that aftermath even to the present day. Entropy ensued, lives were shortened, disease and distress entered the lives of humans. The animal kingdom became dangerous.

All Born Under the Race of Adam Inherit Adam"s Sin Nature

This is a foundation Biblical Understanding! All born from the Adamic linage were born with a fallen nature or "born in sin" according to the image and frailty of fallen Adam. Being born having a sin nature is the fate of every person born since the fall in Genesis 3. The entire world fell under the domination of Satan as Adam surrendered his dominion to the (now) "god of this world." Satan became Earth"s default sovereign.

God Addresses Satan and Outlines His Plan For Redeeming the World in the "Proto-Evangelium."
(Genesis 3:14) And the LORD God said unto the serpent, Because thou hast done this, thou art cursed above all cattle, and above every beast of the field; upon thy belly shalt thou go, and dust shalt thou eat all the days of thy life:

(Genesis 3:15) And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.

The above text is the statement that describes the adversarial conflict between good and evil and the ultimate outcome of a Messiah who would arrive in the fullness of time who would redeem fallen humanity. The passage is called the proto evangellium. It is the first mention of the gospel and God"s plan of redemption in the bible. It speaks of a "seed war" between Satan"s seed and the woman"s seed, which is predicated on a person, supernaturally born by the virtue of a virgin birth. This required a genealogical line of the human seed to be pure and undefiled. This virgin"s "seed" would need to be free from any human mixture from Adam"s defiled "sin nature." Any genetic impurity would destroy God"s pure line to produce the Messiah. (See John 10:1-2) The "Sheepfold is a metaphor for being born a human."

This explains why the flood came to destroy a population upon the earth. (Genesis 6-7) All flesh on earth had become corrupted before the time of the flood. The DNA, genetic code had become corrupted not only among the human population but even the animals through the genetic games engaged in by the fallen ones. action described in the following.

Genesis Chapter 6: The Incursion of Fallen Angels

In Genesis chapter 6 we are told of Sons of God being introduced to the human population. Watchers were angels who had the

ability to manifest in human likeness. (See the Account of Angels in Genesis 19) They possessed supernatural, heavenly

knowledge and power. These watchers "left their first estate" as Jude describes them. The details of the action and the names of

these entities are found in the Book of Enoch. The actions of these 200 watchers upon the earth were wrong and unlawful. They

took wives (forcefully) and procreated with them. Their offspring were demigods, great men of myth and legend. These no doubt

produced the images and mythologies of Greek, Roman and other national mythologies. Many of these creatures were incredibly

gigantic in stature and it can be argued that they left traces of their powers and technology to be seen in various places on earth.

The information described in Genesis 6 is brief and lacks detail.

(Genesis 6:1) And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born unto them, (Genesis 6:2) That the sons of God saw the daughters of men that they were fair; and they took them wives of all which they chose. (Genesis 6:3) And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years. (Genesis 6:4) There were giants in the earth in those days; and also after that, when the sons of God came in unto the daughters of men, and they bare children to them, the same became mighty men which were of old, men of renown.

In pre-Christian times extra canonical Hebrew writings were familiar and extant up to the time of Christ. Among these documents were; The Book of Enoch; The Book of Jasher; The Book of Giants. Fragments of these were found in a number of the caves of Qumran, the location of the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Dr. Ken Johnson, of Bible Facts Ministries is an authority on many of the ancient books that have been found. Dr. Johnson has translated and transcribed studies on Enoch and Jasher and others from the Qumran Essene collections. (www.biblefacts.org)

Most information on the angelic incursion is detailed in The Book of Enoch which was in wide circulation during the second temple age in Israel. Passages from the Book of Enoch were quoted in Jude"s short epistle:
Speaking of the sins of the watchers: (Jude 1:13) Raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever. (Jude 1:14) And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, (Jude 1:15) To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. (Jude 1:16) These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaking great swelling words, having men's persons in admiration because of advantage.

We see that Angels can be manifested in human form as they were described again in Genesis Chapter 19 when they visited Abraham and later visited Lot to rescue him from Sodom.

The Book of Genesis Points Us to the Time of the Patriarchs

The days of Noah and the Days of Lot are mentioned by Jesus as an example of the depravity and rebellion in the days in which we now live. We are witnessing the coming end of the age that Jesus spoke about in detail. (See Matthew 24; Luke 21; and Mark 13) We could say so much about the details that are encompassed by this statement. 2^nd Peter reminds us that the world that was in Noah"s day was destroyed by water and the present world is reserved for destruction by fire. Now that is serious global warming!

Genesis Abraham"s Two Sons and The Typology of Joseph, Son of Jacob

There were two sons born to Abraham, Ishmael and Isaac. After Abraham received the promise that he would be the father of many nations. It appeared from all the natural evidence that he could never father a child through his bride Sarah for reason of her advanced age. So Sarah persuaded Abraham to fulfill the promise through her Egyptian servant Hagar. The child of the bond servant was named Ishmael. It was God"s plan that Sarah should bare a child miraculously, against all odds in her advanced years. When it finally came to pass a child born and he was called Isaac. It was Isaac who was the child of the promise.

We will quickly skip past many details of the lineage of the "father of faith" Abraham. The sons of Abraham were Isaac and Isaac"s son Jacob. As a test of faith Abraham was told to sacrifice his only son on Mount Mariah. At the last moment God provided a lamb to fulfill the sacrifice. In later centuries, Jesus was crucified as God"s substitutionary lamb on that very mountain.

Jacob persevered in a wrestling match with God and was awarded with a new name, Israel. (Genesis 32) The sons of Israel are referred to as the twelve tribes. Each tribe was named after a son of Jacob. Among the last two sons of Jacob were the favored two Joseph and Benjamin. They were the sons of the most loved wife, Rachel.

Jacob's 11^th Son, Joseph Parallels An Amazing "ante-type" To The Messiah Jesus

Joseph is a very special story in the history of Israel and its traditions. Theologian Arthur Pink (1886-1952) noted a hundred or more similarities of Joseph to the Messiah, Jesus.

The son of Jacob"s more beloved Rachel, Joseph was favored by Jacob and given a token robe that made his brothers envious. Moreover Joseph was inclined to have revelatory dreams that portrayed himself as being exalted above his brethren. The brothers decided to rid themselves of the annoyance and took him into the desert to be killed. The plan evolved when a caravan traveling to Egypt came by and rather than merely killing their brother, they sold Joseph to become a slave. The brothers had stripped off the beautiful coat and covered it with blood from a lamb and used that as evidence that a wild beast had killed him.

Through many dangers and trials and snares, Joseph survived prison and false allegations and terrible hardship to be recommended to the Pharaoh of Egypt as a diviner of dreams. Joseph interpreted Pharaoh"s dream in which he foresaw the future seven- year rise of abundance and seven-years of famine. Joseph was promoted to become chief administer next only to the king in authority. He steered Egypt through that great famine. When the famine was at the worst Jacob"s sons came to request food in Egypt which had abundance due to Joseph"s wise counsel. The story of Joseph"s reunion and reconciliation to his brothers and his father is among the most dramatic and touching in the Bible. There are dozens of parallels of the life of Joseph and the Life of Yeshua Jesus. The typology is rich. What the brothers meant for evil God used for good.

Moses The Lawgiver, The promised Deliverer From Egyptian Bondage

The book of Exodus introduces us to the typology of the World. Pharaoh exemplifies the god of this world. He is an unrelenting taskmaster. He holds all of the people in bondage until they are delivered from his powers. He blinds the eyes of all who are not redeemed from his dominion.

The ten plagues of Egypt were used to demonstrate God"s power over the natural world. The last plague finally brought the release of the Israelites from captivity but those even after being freed from bondage were still stiff-neck and obstinate, a stiff-necked people who grumble and complain and who quickly lose faith in the God who miraculously delivered them with great signs and provision.

Numbers to Deuteronomy; The Delayed Journey to the Promise Land

The journey in the wilderness was destined for Canaan across the Jordan River. Moses sent some leaders, one from each of the 12 tribes, to spy out the land. They returned with an example of the great richness and abundance of Canaan but ten of the leaders brought forth an evil report. (Numbers Chapter 13) The inhabitants were giants and impossible to overcome. (Recall Genesis 6.) Only two of the spies gave a report that was full of faith. They saw with God"s eyes. The faith-filled two declared that no matter how impossible the challenge might appear, they were well able to take the land. These two heroes of faith were Joshua and Caleb.

God was wroth with the lack of faith by those who denied his ability to do to the giants what he did to the Egyptians. As punishment God would send them on a march around and around the desert but never able to reach their destination.

Moses leadership was met with grumbling and defiance throughout this part of the wilderness journey. The Israelites found themselves in skirmishes with some of the inhabitants of the land but with God"s help were victorious over the armies of two famous kings who were giants in stature. Sihon king of the Amorites and Og, king of Bashan.

Jewish Law and Upholding Traditions

The Jewish ordinances of The Law and memorial festivals (Moedim " Levitus 23) that were instigated in the ancient historic past by the patriarchs, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and Moses, portray future events to be fulfilled by the Son of the Highest who will in the fullness of time finally redeem the people of Israel.

Meanwhile throughout the passage of centuries "the adversary" who had usurped rulership over the planet after Adam's fall, has never stopped resisting the divine plan of redemption through stealth and cunning. The adversary as stated is a spirit being, called by many names; Satan, Lucifer, The evil one, The god of this world, the Prince of the power of the air among others. He tempted the Messiah Jesus in the wilderness later as he sought to disrupt God"s plan to restore the planet.

 The things which I include in this brief OT study are but a sketch. These are compiled for beginners. I will not go into particular historical epochs (dispensations) or the stories of the many heroes and heroines of the faith spoken whose names appear later in Hebrews chapter 11.

The historical periods from creation and the garden to the times of the Messianic deliverer, are populated by individuals who were empowered (anointed) by JHVH and whose calling was to keep God"s covenant people, Israel, from turning aside to idolatry, genetic defilement and judgment. The prophets foretold that the people of God would rise and fall into disobedience then go into captivity.

In the fullness of time, God"s chosen seed would be born according to dozens of prophetic promises. He would be announced as the "Lamb of God" as proclaimed by the last prophet of the Old Testament, John the Baptist. Jeshua, Jesus was born to be the ransom for sin. He would extend his arms to gather in the nations (the gentiles). Jesus was that Kinsman redeemer (Book of Ruth) (Ruth 2 v20) who would call forth a special people for himself and eventually rule over a people called out for his pleasure. (The church or ekklesia are His called out ones.) All the while the adversary is continually at work to hinder and destroy God's plan. Satan is still making preparation for his own kingdom to arise and rule.

As it turns out the Old Testament Bible or First Covenant is rich in revelation and prophecy that provides insight into history "His-Story" which includes:

1. How God created the world, finally man and woman; and what caused their "fall" from glory.

2. How Lucifer (the shining one) usurped man"s dominion and became "the god of this world";

3. How God revealed his eternal plan to provide a redeemer from the seed of a woman; (Gen. 3:15, the proto evangelium) and fulfill the promise of a kingdom on the earth; "I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."

4. How Satan has an allotted time and will eventually be defeated along with his minions;

5. How Satan"s character is vanity (pride). He is a liar, a thief, a killer and a destroyer.

6. How Satan"s kingdom and its influence produced a depraved world that brought brought forth judgment in the time of Noah and later Lot in Abraham's day.

7. How Satan is constantly engaged in an effort to thwart God"s plan of producing a redeemer, (the woman"s seed, the messiah) who is promised to reign;

8. How God established a righteous line (through Abraham) from which the promised messiah would come;

9. How the descendants of Abraham (the patriarchs) were thwarted by Satan"s forces continuously through the centuries;

10. How Abraham was given a land of promise. It was to be an eternal possession;

11. How the land of promise (Canaan) was occupied by giants and beings who practiced idolatry and demonic worship; These also had a bloodline that was corrupted by inter-mixture with fallen angels. (Gen. 6) these lands once conquered by the Israelites were meant to be sustained in righteousness;
    

12. How God raised up holy prophets who spoke words of correction and spoke of things to come as God directed their speech by the Holy Spirit (Ruach Ha Kodesh); How Moses led the Jews out of captivity in Egypt with signs and wonders and was later given the commandments and sacrifices needed to continue under the blessings of JHVH; How all the books of the O.T. (the Tenakh) point to Jesus the Messiah; the books of Moses, all of the prophets and the Psalms. (Luke 24:27 & Luke 24:44);How Israel became a kingdom about 1000 BC and anointed King David who prefigures the righteous king who will rule in the Messianic Kingdom; How Israel was taken into captivity by other empires when they failed to continue JHVH's laws; How prophets spoke of a time of future judgment when all the unrighteous will answer for their idolatry, blasphemy, and sorceries. This time of judgment is called the "Day of the Lord" a time when Satan's head will be crushed and evil will be vanquished. Jesus is the one who will destroy the enemy wielding his own "terrible swift sword"; how John the Baptist was the last O.T. prophet. John came in the Spirit and Power of Eliajah the prophet. He was the forerunner who declared the coming of Messiah and to "make straight the way. How Jesus' earthly ministry was only to the Jews. (the lost sheep of the house of Israel (Matthew 10:5) These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, "Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, (Matthew 10:6) but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.
    

13. He presented proofs of his divinity and messiah- ship but was not received by the religious authorities. How at the birth of the church age, God"s covenant was extended beyond the Israel and the Jews. The "good news" of the gospel was to go to all the nations (gentiles.) Non Jews were allowed to be grafted into the vine of Israel, becoming fellow heirs along with the Jews.

From Judges to The Kings of Israel

Before Israel was ruled by a king. Israel was ruled by a succession of Judges. Following the leadership of Joshua Israel advanced into the regions of Canaan to possess the land promised to Abraham. There was ongoing confrontation by the pagan tribes living there. There were Midianites, Hivites, Malechites, Zidonians, and multiple tribes of Philistines and others. All of these were nations practiced all matters of abominable demonic worship and who were in some way intermingled with the admixture of non human DNA. God was intently focused on maintaining the purity of the hereditary line of his people Israel. It was to provide for a pure messianic line.

At a time following the period of the Judges the people though it wise to have a king to rule over them like the other nations. Saul, son of Kish, was the tallest and most manly candidate. Samuel, with some reservation, anointed him king.

Saul, Israel's First King

Saul"s reign was spent defending Israel from the Phillistines. Here is where the tale of Goliath of Gath comes in. Goliath is a Phillistine giant having 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot. He is the champion who challenges the Israelites and taunts them for 40 days to send out their best warrior to contend man to man. Goliath is confident and mocks the armies of Saul. Israel has no man who is willing to take on the challenge. David the shepherd, tending the flock of Jessie of Bethlehem hears that Israel is being taunted by a heathen giant, and says to himself. I am willing to confront this enemy of God. He was good using the tools of a shepherd. It is a good story and brings the youthful shepherd into notoriety. He valiantly slays the giant and beheads him with Goliath"s own sword.

During Saul's life following David"s triumph, Saul"s ego can not tolerate the attention that David is getting from the people. Saul is dealing with a mental disorder in which he requires David"s soothing songs on a harp to bring him peace. David is anointed and full of faith and the presence of God is with him. Though Saul threatens his life in jealousy and madness David never lifts a hand against him because Saul is God"s anointed. Samuel the prophet anoints David as the next King of Israel and he rules Israel for 40 years. David"s life is full of challenges and some moral failures. David was a man of war and is called "a man after God"s own heart." There was rivalry between his sons and strife among members of David"s family and wives. David is surrounded by a faithful cohort of valiant warriors, his mighty men of valor.

During the Kingdom age of Israel we see the people of Israel constantly facing threats from foreign nations that seek to bring God"s people to ruin. The psalmist David was a King, a warrior and a worshiper. He was the prophet Samuel"s God-selected choice of leader over the young kingdom in the era of about 1000 BC.

Solomon one of David's sons by his wife Bathsheba, succeeded David as King. David had at least 19 named sons by his 8 named wives. He also had children with his concubines that are not named. It was Solomon who would build the first temple as the place where God would manifest and where worship ordinances were followed.

God manifested to Solomon in a dream in which Solomon was asked what he should like to receive from the Lord. (1 Kings 3:5) The thing Solomon requested was wisdom to rule this vast people of whom he was given charge. This answer was so pleasing to Jehovah that he granted much more, wisdom, wealth and glory beyond measure.

The Spiritual Richness of the Psalms

The Psalms written and sung by David are a testament of his heart of faith, and his love for the presence of God. His writings express in a powerful way, the anointing of the Holy Spirit. It is written that he "beheld the Lord ever before him."

David"s psalms are filled with a vast array of praise. Among the Psalms are many foretelling the Messianic times to come. According to Christ Jesus, he was called into this world to fulfill everything written in the Law, the Prophets and the Psalms. David was a true worshiper. His heart overflowed passionately in thanksgiving and extolling the greatness of God. There is no doubt that David possessed the Holy Spirit in a measure that present religion can not imagine. When the church was born at Pentecost the Holy Spirit fell upon the 120 in the upper room were filled to ecstasy and overflowing they began to prophesy. The Holy Spirit baptism brings us close to the level of intimacy with God that David the psalmist and warrior-king knew.

The Psalms are so rich in portraying God"s love and Power and His faithfulness it is absolutely essential to make note and understand this treasure of Old Testament writing.

Poetry of the Psalms and the Wisdom Writing

In the intimacy of God"s presence we transcend the manner of normal thought and expression. We can call this "inspired expression." It enhances the manner of communication or performance giving us thought patterns that are flavored by Godly inspiration. If God is powering the mind then subject matter flows from the breath of God. It is God-Breathed as the Holy Bible is described.

Solomon was gifted with Wisdom. He"s called the wisest man who ever lived. He recorded his wise sayings which resonate with truth and a practical application of living in this world with Godly perspective and purpose. God is the author of wisdom.

Solomon also authored additional writing. The Song of Songs, or the Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes. Solomon"s fame and wealth bought him renown but it also brought him a departure from faith and regret. Solomon"s many wife from ungodly nations provided a foothold for the ungodly pagan world to intrude on God"s plan to continue on a righteous course. "A little leaven, leavens the lump." as the saying goes. Now dark spiritual forces entered to corrupt and divide God"s kingdom. The sons of Solomon had the wealth and power but they had no wisdom and turned aside from the godly path.

The Prophetic Voice Throughout the Old Covenant

The prophet speaks for God. He must be anointed to speak for God. This anointing allows God to address the people directly with regard to matters confronting them at any given time such as, "Shall we go out to battle against the Philistines?" The prophetic voice guided the judges and the kings. There were some notable prophets and some less notable ones. There were also false prophets following the division of Israel into the Northern Tribes and the Southern tribes. During the reign of the so called evil kings they employed their own favored prophets who prophesy good things and never God"s true message of warning or correction. The false prophets were possessed by "a lying spirit." True prophets were required by the law to be 100 per cent without fail. To prophesy a false message was a matter punishable by death. When the people were taken in idolatry and disobedience the manner of correction was to send them plagues or being overtaken by other nations.

Prophets Foretold the Destruction of Israel, Judah and Their Captivity

The kingdoms were divided after the reign of Solomon"s son Rehoboam. For more than 200 years the kings that followed Solomon degenerated further and further into evil and idolatry. The norther ten tribes went into captivity to the Assyrians in 722 BC. During and pryor to the reign of many kings of the north, the voices of God"s righteous prophets continued to be heard. Among the God"s prophets were Jehu, Micaiah, Elijah, Elisha, Amos, Jonah, Hosea and Micah. The kings of Assyria who vanguished the kingdoms of the north included Shalmaneser, Tiglath-Pileser III and Shalmaneser V, and later Sargon II and Sennacherib. These accounts are recorded in the OT books of the Kings and the Chronicles which historically account for the rising and falling of the tribes of Israel and their failing to follow the God of Israel.

Moses, Micah, Habakkuk, Jeremiah and Isaiah all prophesied that Judah, the southern kingdom would bear the consequences of failing to keep the sabbaths. Jeremiah was abused and imprisoned by the king of Judah. The Babylonian empire at that time was under King Nebuchadnezzar. Jerusalem was plundered and the temple destroyed in the Babylonian invasion. Judah would be taken captive for 70. Many prisoners were taken to Babylon in 586 BC including Daniel and other Hebrew youth to be named later in the book of Daniel the prophet. These were all used a servants in Babylon. Jehoiakim was the king who refused to listen to and heed the voice of Jeremiah. Jeremiah was abused and treated shamefully and then thrown into a dungeon.

For the remainder of the Old Testament we encounter a thorough accounting of all manners that pertained to then and future declarations of God. All of which have or will soon come to pass.

Messianic Prophecies and the Future Church Age and Final Restored Kingdom

I found 178 specific messianic prophesies which were fulfilled in the person of Jesus of Nazareth. You can read this detail list at: https://www.messianic.org/prophecy/a-comprehensive-list-of-messianic-prophecies

Some of these are found in the writings of Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Micah, Hosea, Zechariah, Habakkuk, Psalms and Proverbs. They were foretold by Moses as well.

The Book of Daniel the prophet has among its prophetic visions and visitations very specific foretelling of the end of days, also called end of the age. Beginning in Chapter 2 the King of Babylon has a dream that portrays all the major kingdoms and times in the then present and later future of the world. A statue portrays the various kingdom ages from Babylon to Persia to Greek to Roman and to the end of times depicted as ten toes made up of iron intermixed with potters clay. In those days a stone made without hands strikes the feet of the statue causing it to turn to dust and form into a great mountain. This depicts a final imperishable kingdom which is yet to come. It points to the Messianic kingdom where Christ rules from Jerusalem and the restoration of world that was lost to Adam. Amillenialists and reformed theologians do not accept this prophesied final world kingdom since they hold to the notion that prophecy has been fulfilled already and the church is presently the agency of Christ"s rule on earth. They also teach that the present state of Israel is no more favored than any other nation and has no particular prophetic role since the church has assumed the place of Israel in prophecy.

The Foundational Prophecy of the 70 Weeks in Daniel 24

Probably the most astonishing of Old Testament prophecies is the prophecy of the 70 weeks of Daniel. In Daniel chapter 9 version 24 to 27. An angel explains in detail the exact number of days and years there will be before the Messiah of Israel appears and what his role will be. The matters addressed deal with the Jewish people (Daniel 9:24). He will be introduced to the people of Jerusalem on a specific day. That day is calculated from the going forth by the decree of Artaxerxes in 445 BC. (as meticulously calculated by Sir Robert Anderson in his work "The Coming Prince.")

With all the calculations and the day counting Jesus was to enter Jerusalem on one specific day. Jesus was "cut off" at the end of the 69^th week. Daniel (9-26). This leaves one week a "seven" unfulfilled. The correct interpretation of Scripture is that final 7 years will be fulfilled by the Jews and Israel. The church age has been an undefined period of times awaiting the gathering of the Gentiles and the end or fullness of the gentiles when all who are written in the book of life have been gathered in. The final 7^th week returns to focus again to the people of Israel to whom Jesus made his final descriptions of the end of the age to his disciples in the 24^th Chapter of Matthew, the 13^th chapter Mark and the 21^st chapter of Luke. All of this is addressed to the Jews who Jesus infers will be back in their land, will have a new temple and will be offering temple worship and sacrifices once again.

The epistles of the New Testament bring a new prophetic focus into view. These are written to the people who have been redeemed in the new covenant of grace and who are now living during the church age. Peter, Paul and John the apostles establish the nature of the Gospel of Salvation and Grace. They speak about the fullness of a redeemed life and living as new creations in Christ. Among their epistles we are led to the end of the church age and the coming time of Jacob"s trouble when Israel is back in the land and God refocuses entirely on restoring his chosen people through a time of great trouble. A time of Tribulation such as the world has never seen. (Matthew 24:21)

I had not intended to go so deeply into the nature and depth of the Old Testament, although cursory. But to eliminate any part of it would leave so many questions unanswered. To draw this treatise to an end I will state again that the Old and New Testament are inextricably linked. The Old Testament is the New Testament concealed and the New Testament is the Old Testament revealed.

Chapter 4

THE GOSPEL - POWER FROM ON HIGH

  "But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: 1 Corinthians 2:7 Which none of the princes of this world knew: (2:7) for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 1Co 2:9 ¶ But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him. 1Co 2:10 But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yea, the deep things of God. Tools specific to 1Co 2:11 For what man knows the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knows no man, but the Spirit of God." But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 1 Cor. 2:14
 
Revelation, inspiration, searching, knocking, asking; are pathways that lead a seeker into the knowledge of the mysteries of God. "God is a Spirit," says the scripture. His divine existence is one that can only be perceived, believed on a non-sensing level. If I say that I know God, whom you neither know nor see, you can only judge my assertions on the basis of my personal credibility. Some spokes persons for God or more credible than others. The early apostles did not so much argue the existence of God as a theory or concept but to prove His existence by supernatural attestations, demonstrating the Power of God. (1Corinthians 2). So we have the matter of proving to a materialistic non believing world that God is real and that He still has a part in the day to day affairs of this world and its occupants.

It is a very great mystery that it is God who calls us to have fellowship with Him. It is God who equips us to grow and minister through Him. It is God who preserves and keeps us until his coming to gather his called out people unto himself. So you see, that it is very little about our performance or goodness. The gift of God prevails throughout the life of a believer.

DUNAMIS IS SUPERNATURAL, GOD DERIVED POWER
Dunamis Power of the Gospel

The Gospel of the Kingdom is Manifested Power "For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believes; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek."(Romans 1:16) "Through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God; so that from Jerusalem, and round about unto Illyricum, I have fully preached the Gospel of Christ." (Romans 15:19)" Paul said in essence that he preached the Gospel in full measure, or the "full Gospel message."

Revelation, inspiration, searching, knocking, asking; these are all pathways that lead a seeker into the knowledge of the mysteries of God. "God is a Spirit," says the scripture. His divine existence is one that can only be perceived, and believed on a non-sensing level. If I say that I know God, whom you neither know nor see, you can only judge my assertions on the basis of my personal credibility. Some spokes persons for God are more credible than others. The early apostles did not so much argue the existence of God as a theory or concept, as to prove His existence by supernatural attestations; demonstrating the Power of God. (1Corinthians 2). So we have the matter of proving to a materialistic non-believing world that God is real and that He still has a part in the day-to-day affairs of this world and its occupants.

Progressive Revelation

God is a god of mysteries and hidden things. The parables taught by Jeshua (Jesus) had within them truth at multiple levels, plain story-level truth and higher levels of spiritual revelation. There is and always has been that matter of hidden truth. For Christ's disciples it was given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of God while others received no more than a moral homily. According to the Mystery of Godliness, God reveals himself to some and not to others. Heaven and its mysteries are not laid bare for all to intrude upon. There are defining limits between darkness and heavenly light. God did not choose that Bible truths and hidden mysteries be delineated as point by point, topic by topic facts and realities. Thus the key to unpacking and deciphering the Word of God can not be achieved strictly by academic skills and study alone. Without the Holy Spirit, the teacher and discipler of truth, we are limited pretty much to merely the moral homily level of the listener.

We are given understanding in the light of Jeshua (Jesus). In the scripture that has been preserved for humanity we find the Truth revealed in a line by line, precept upon precept, understanding. Jesus himself is the manifested Word of God. When the Scripture is made known in its completeness we shall See Him as He is.

I have attempted in this series of writings to shed some light of understanding that have been proven to me in the course of several decades of studies. We know or have heard that God is for all intents and purposes, seems to be hidden from most human beings. For this reason many come to the conclusion that he is a myth made up by fools who can not be persuaded by science. God is revealed to the extent that He makes himself known to individuals as He wills. It is as though a curtain is drawn aside and light begins to shine through. This light is a glimpse into an unseen world which has a beauty and purpose beyond our imagination.

Revelation is progressive and always deepening as His truth is being revealed by God's Holy Spirit in God's time. God is withholding certain things from us because it is not yet His time. We do not have all the answers as to Who God is and what His complete plan is for The Church, which is his Body (another mystery).

Matthew 16:16 But who say ye that I am?

Jesus asks his disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" Peter, answers and says, "You are the Messiah, (the Christ) the son of the Living God." Jesus then tells Peter, "- - - Flesh and blood have not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. This is an example of how we receive knowledge of hidden things,

Spiritual Mysteries Are Revealed by God

1Corinthians 2:0 - -"Eye has not seen nor ear heard, neither has entered into the heart of man, the things which God has prepared for those that love him. 10: But God has revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11. For what man knows the things of a man, except by the sprit of man which is in him? Even so the things of God, know man knows, except by the Spirit of God.
 

MANY OF THE FOLLOWING BIBLICAL TOPICS  REMAIN UNREALIZED BY MANY NOMINAL CHRISTIANS.  HOWEVER, BIBLE TRUTHS ARE NOT HIDDEN OR  "ESOTERIC" AS SO-CALLED OCCULT AND NEW AGE TEACHINGS CLAIM TO BE.
THESE TRUTHS ARE ALL REVEALED IN THE SCRIPTURES.
EVEN WHEN THE BIBLE IIS READ MANY DO NOT AGREE ON ITS UNDERSTANDING.
THE MYSTERY OF HOLY SPIRIT POWER

Power From On High

A God of Power Today? Power From on High 

The Two Words for Power 

God Baptized Jesus Supernatural Ability, Power and Might to Minister 

A Matter of Moments To Become a New Creation 

That was Then, What About Now? 

How You May Receive the Promise of the Father 

 Speaking in other Tongues [Spiritual Languages) 

Prayer language and Holy Spirit Ministry 

Intercession, a Spiritual Ministry 

A God of Power Today?
TOPICS
Suggested Reading: Mark 16; 1Corinthians 12; 1Corinthians 14; Luke 4:
Matt. 28 end, Acts 1 & Acts 2, and Others listed in the paragraphs following:
TOPICS:
Two Words for Power
God Baptized Jesus With Supernatural Ability, Power and Might
Becoming a New Creation
Power of God Then, What About Now?
Receiving "the Promise of the Father "
Speaking in other Tongues [Spiritual Languages)
Tongues and Holy Spirit Ministry Intercession, a Spiritual Ministry

Many persons who have attended church for most of their lives have not actually experienced God's manifested power. This is real evidence of dramatic proof of God"s presence in a real way. The believing Christian, once born of the spirit is set apart for the Glory of God. No believer should be relegated to being a casual listener, whose spiritual life consists of coming to a place only to hear messages about God. Too often those making the presentation may not even know God. It is a shame to relinquish our own spiritual potential of being "a child of the Most High" with messages framed in unbelief.

A God of Power Today?

God almighty created the Heavens and the Earth. We are told of miraculous deeds done in time past by the power of God; stopping of the sun's movement to allow time to give Joshua a military victory; miracles and signs done by Moses and Aaron in Egypt; opening of the Red Sea; or the power of God which came down as fire to consume Elijah's sacrifice. We know that Jesus performed miracles outside of realm of natural law; healing(s), raising the dead, walking on the water, changing water into wine; as well as miracles to know the thoughts of men, and foretelling events of the future.

We also know that the disciples of Christ duplicated Jesus' miracles when they ministered with the power of God, as recorded in the book of The Acts of the Apostles. How do we look upon these accounts? Shall we say they are only myths that did not occur? Or, shall we say that God has changed? The Bible states that God does not change and that He continues in the same way in the present as He did in times past.

This writer grew up attending churches which had no manifestation of God's presence. Neither was there teaching that God was to be an intimate part of church fellowship. Sadly, there was no reality of God being a good God who brought benefits from day to day. Hymns were sung without conviction or zeal. How can anyone give heart felt praise when they do not know the God they praise? (John 4) "- -You worship what you do not know - -" It is amazing to me that people continue to support traditions in which there are no manifestations which attest the truth in the words which are preached. For all practical purposes one could easily preach that "God is dead." One might say that faith was equated to believing in the God of Glory without any way to test that assertion. No person, no disciple or believer in Jesus the Messiah can understand or experience the fullness of this truth nor act as a manifested child of the Most High without supernatural enablement.
"- -No man knows the things of God except for the Spirit of God - - (1Corinthians 1:11,12)

Thank God for His excellent Grace, He has provided that which is necessary to walk as a child of God, walking in Jesus' footsteps. It is dunamis power which Jesus promised to all his true disciples. This power is God-Power from the Holy Spirit. When this power is manifest it is God working in and through us. This is provided to fulfill His word and provide us with a first hand witness of the promises and provisions stated in the Bible. This power continues to be scripturally promised for Disciples of Jesus Christ to partake in his heavenly abilities.

Dunamis power is used to perform the outreaches of the Gospel of the Kingdom, also called the work of ministry.

If we are not taught about this provision in the Word enunciated to us, we can not believe it nor appropriate it. If we have only heard only an incomplete Gospel, then we are encumbered to have to unlearn that wrong doctrine. There is a spirit of unbelief, a spirit of slumber, this is the leaven of Pharisees which masquerades as scripturally correct doctrine. Religious tradition is not unlike the spirit which the Pharisees manifested to withstand Jesus in the time of his earthly ministry. Bible training centers train practitioners only in a form of godliness without power, presenting many arguments which contradict the promises of God, namely that the Power of the Spirit and His ministry gifts are no longer being manifested today. Jesus said, If you believe you will see the glory of God. (2^nd Timothy Chapter 3:)

Paul stated that he did not bring words of spell-binding oratory or philosophy (intellectual reasoning) in his presentation of the gospel. Rather he brought the demonstration of the Holy Spirit and Power. Today institutional Christianity abounds as a religion without power. If by chance power it is taught as a doctrine many look upon it as something questionable. On the other hand, folks have the tendency to exalt the man by whose hand these miracles occurred, placing him on a pedestal. Note in the Book of Acts disciples Paul and Barnabus had to constrain people from deifying them when powers from God were displayed.

The Two Words for Power

The Bible mentions two kinds of power, power (dunamis) and power (exousia). Both words have a place in understanding the power which is granted to every believer. Exousia power is the authority to act granted by God. Jesus declares after his resurrection, All power (exousia authority) in heaven and on earth have been given to me; you go therefore ..." The commission to his disciples is given for taking the Gospel into every nation.

Jesus states in his prayer to the Father in John Chapter 17, "the glory you have given me, I have given to them." The glory of God is, I believe, a physical manifestation of God's presence, therefore it must be equated with Power. I believe the phrase is values that says, "The glory of God is the manifested presence of God."

Jesus speaks of "the promise of the Father" power from God when he tells the disciples, "to wait in Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high." God Baptized Jesus with the Same Dunamis Power of the Spirit. The anointing of Holy Spirit power came upon Jesus when John baptized him in the Jordan river, it was only after this that Jesus began to perform mighty works and began His ministry. "- how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power who went about doing good and healing all those oppressed by the devil." (Acts10:38)

Supernatural Ability

The ministry of Jesus was a four-fold ministry; teaching, preaching the kingdom, healing, and deliverance. All demonstrated the Kingdom of God. The divine power he commanded was directed against the forces of Satan. As described in Luke Chapter 4:18, there is an emphasis on power in order to fulfill the commission of the Gospel of the Kingdom. It was Jesus' declaration when he spoke the prophecy of Isaiah Chapter 61 in the synagogue in Nazareth. (Isaiah 61) V1.The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;  Isa 61:2  to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor- .."

Power ministry is heart of the Gospel of the Kingdom. It can be summarized as freeing people and restoring them from conditions-body, soul and spirit. (Isaiah 61:1-2) (Luke: Chapter 4:18) Satan"s bondage has been placed upon mankind in general and upon ourselves and our families individually. Lack of wholeness through the bondage of Satan in sickness; Lack of wholeness through the bondage of Satan through mental oppression; Lack of wholeness through the bondage of Satan which are demonic in nature; Lack of: wholeness through the bondage of Satan through various kinds of curses; Lack of wholeness through the bondage of Satan in lacks and limitation, and in fears; Lack of wholeness through the bondage of Satan in connections to unclean, destructive and dehumanizing forces. Where the ministry of the Gospel is taught the adversary, (the enemy of God) must never be omitted for he remains the enemy and has oppressed the race of man since the beginning. Satan has not retired in Florida since the victory of Christ Jesus was proclaimed in the heavens and in the earth!

A Gospel without power is a false Gospel.

Likewise any Gospel which does not introduce us to the spiritual powers of the enemy which are against us is a false Gospel. The faith life is to a large degree spent in enforcing God's authority in the earth with respect to our own lives, our families and other who we care for. Satan's team is positioned to take advantage of our ignorance. They will take an offensive action against us unless we are poised to stand our ground. Satan comes to steal, kill, destroy & deceive, and to perpetuate false Gospels. The Promise of the Father Help from the Spirit of God for Every Disciple The book of acts introduces the promise of the Father, What is this promise of the Father? It is Power from on high!. The Holy Spirit came to ordinary men and gave them supernatural knowledge, ability and might. They were clothed with the Glory of God's fire. Under the power of the Spirit, they manifested total loss of normal mental self control, they began to utter language which was not their own. They became witnesses. After being touched by Power (dunamis) we also bear witnesses that our lives are being remade, renewed, blessed in wholeness, through an agency which is totally beyond man's natural enablements. but that is something heavenly.

A Matter of Moments to Become a New Creation

The disciples of Jesus, men and women, waited in an upper room of the temple that day of Pentecost. They were all believers in Jesus. They all knew him. They all walked with him and knew his voice and his sayings but they were not yet able to minister as God desired them to minister. It was not enough to have known Jesus personally, face to face. They and ourselves can not minister from knowledge and experience and natural ability alone! The kind of ministry that Jesus and the Father had prepared for his disciples was to replicate Christ within each of disciple! Suddenly at the appointed moment each man and woman experienced what the prophets had written: The prophet Joel writing states: "It shall come to pass in the latter days that I will pour out of my spirit upon all flesh --' The prophet Ezekiel writes: "-- a new heart will I give you, and put a new spirit in you; I will remove the heart of stone and put in a heart of flesh-"(Ezekiel Chapter 36:26) I will write my laws upon your heart " and David the psalmist prophet writes: "- Let this be written for a future generation, a people not yet created shall Praise the Lord" --(Psalm 102,18)

That was Then, What About Now?

Religious tradition has relegated the book of Acts to "stories" or fables about unique and favored saints and apostles. Some imagine God no longer wishes to make disciples and to use them, as he once did; nor any longer empower them with power from on high as at the time of Peter, James and John. Remember God does not lie, if he made any promise he will certainly fulfill that promise. The "promise of the Father" was specifically that of receiving divine, enabling power. It is the prophetic bottom line enabling the ministry of Jesus Christ to continue in the church age. The Gospel of the Kingdom has not changed in its objectives or methods. However, hundreds of years of religious myths and baggage has to examined and if it is necessary, trashed. Unbelief keeps us from entering the upper room and emerging a vibrant 'New Testament church' ALIVE with the first-hand witness of God's power and blessing.

How You May Receive the Promise of the Father
Only believers can receive the Holy Spirit.
This may require some personal self-evaluation.

Do you believe? What do you believe?

Do you believe that you are a sinner alienated from the life and promises of God? Do you believe that you have until this time either knowingly or unknowingly followed a life which was ruled by Satan's nature, pride, rebellion, self-servimg and uncleanness? Do you believe you need a Savior? Do you believe that Jesus was the lamb of God whose blood cleansed us from all of our sins and offenses? Do you believe that his blood has the power to restore you in perfect accord with God the Father? Do you believe that God loves you and wants to forgive you? Do you believe that He has the power to make your life entire over again and to make you a new creation?

If so, Hallelujah! An ordinary person like you and me, who are called outcasts, or sinners in the Bible, may begin a spiritual life by talking to God and asking Him to do something in our life. I can assure you of the truth in this. You need to do two things, the first is to believe. Kindly note and consider the things discussed above, for these are the essential elements of believing in the Gospel of Christ. The second is a spoken confession or petition to God. The psalmist states, "I spoke unto the Lord with my voice and He heard me out of His holy hill." (Psalm 3:4 and Psalm 77:1) You confess (say with your own words) what you know of the provisions provided through the cross by Jesus. Speak these things in a way that is personal and honest to you.

It is not a ritual but simply your getting honest with God and telling Him that you need Him and that you accept the sacrifice of his Son for your sins. The words which provide a change in our lives begins with a confession of our need. It follows with a statement of believing that Jesus has met that need. God honors this confession. He will change you in an instant and take you into His family. However, you must act in sincerity and faith. Believe that you will most assuredly receive this new birth and this new status, forgiven which is righteousness in Christ Jesus.

This is the first step of receiving the Promise of the Father, the gift of the Holy Spirit. If you are already a believer and have a sure witness of the fact that God has restored your spirit, you are eligible to become a disciple filled with power. The experience of being born of the Spirit and made new is a good example of how God (Through Christ Jesus) works on our behalf. All transactions of faith operate through a similar sequence of action to that demonstrated above (Romans Chapter 10, verses 9 and 10.) Belief is followed by action. We believe in our hearts and express the belief vocally, that the Father is anxious to give you out of His Kingdom. (Luke 12,32). We know and confess that Jesus died for this cause, to make you a completed disciple. We know and confess that God has not changed nor will He ever change. We know and confess BELIEVING that God empowered all of his first disciples and that you believe He wishes to give you a good gift and empower you. Expect Jesus to do that greater work. Receiving the "Baptism of the Holy Spirit" is God's desire for you. As he commanded the first disciples he likewise commands us so that we can function as a child of God. In the process of being filled with the Spirit the disciples in the second chapter of Acts came together to seek the promise of the Father. They sought it prayerfully. After the Holy Spirit was poured out there were manifestations for each disciples. They did not proceed to go out and minister without this experience. Then when the moment of fulfillment came they began to praise God and to prophesy and to speak in other languages that the Holy Spirit gave to them.

Speaking in other Tongues - -

The New Testament describes two kinds of tongues. Both are Spiritually derived, one is an actual language unknown to the speaker. The other is a heavenly, spiritual language sometimes called the language of angels. Understanding and receiving these spiritual languages are a problem for many believers. Not thinking too much, is a weird kind of thing for people to do. Releasing the language utterance is a little confusing. Do you try or try not to try? It is hard to release words you do not know by not thinking. But the wisdom of God has made it possible to bypass the normal function of natural mental processes. Your thought processes are mostly by-passed in the tongues of God. These are not words you "learn" such as learning vocabulary words. The language of tongues are real languages a form of speech. They are not usually identified as any human dialect.

Two Kinds of Tongues

Paul refers to 2 kinds of tongues; of men; and of angels (1Cor 13). Nevertheless, tongues are messages from God, to allow us to give God perfect praise back to him. At times tongues along with a spiritual interpretation occurs as a message to edify others. Tongues edify and instruct ourselves on a spiritual level. Tongues bring revelatory wisdom. Tongues open the door to Spiritual experiences of all kinds. Tongues build our faith and open understanding of the Scripture. Prayer language and Holy Spirit Ministry The gift of Tongues as listed in 1 Corinthians, Chapter 12 is the ability to speak a language having never learned it. An example is described in Acts Chapter two. Where Galileans spoke the languages known to many nations who were present. Experience has taught me that languages can be a part of messages given publicly in meetings although this is not seen too often. As we pray in the Spirit our minds are rendered quiescent. the language of the Spirit has no predictability or conscious control. We find in it many kinds of expressions both in word and in tones of expression.

Uses of Tongues and Praying in the Spirit

Praying in the Spirit, expresses in a Spiritual language God's perfect will on matters. When we do not know how to pray in particular the Holy Spirit provides the necessary words. Romans, 8: 26, describes groanings or expressions beyond words. This is also called praying in the Spirit. Intercessors will lapse into prayers beyond words where sounds come forth that are very strange to listen to and may not sound at all like language. We can also at times, receive the understanding of prayers that we pray or that are prayed in the Spirit by others.
Sometimes understanding come into our minds spontaneously after we have spoken in tongues or after someone else has been heard to utter something in a spiritual language. You may seek and ask the Lord to reveal these that you pray about so that you mind may also be fruitful. (1Cor 14) Interpreted tongues equal prophecy. Intercession, a Spiritual Ministry The ministry of divine intercession is empowered through the language of the Spirit

Intercession a Spiritual Ministry

God calls forth true intercession into manifestation. Some are given this ministry gift in a unique and powerful way. The Holy Spirit causes such individuals to yield to the Spirit and bring out the words necessary to enforce the perfect will of God for many things. It has been testified how people awaken in the night to bring forth prayers for people they know or for those in ministry undergoing trials and crisis.

The power of praying God's will for people, circumstances or nations, need not depend upon the leading of the rational mind. Sometimes visions and revelations can accompany intercession where God allows his servant to see the nature of the circumstances for which he or she is praying. Praying in the Spirit and the ministry of intercession is not learned through natural means, although it may be seen demonstrated by men or women with the gift. God is willing and happy to train any person who wishes to explore and learn Spiritual things.

Continuing to practice Spirit led prayer brings fluency and fruitfulness and the ability to learn and apply of Spiritual understandings. Practice ministering through prayer, according to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Ask the Lord to train you and lead you in the Spirit. Listen to what the Spirit is prompting you to say or do. Surely it His will and pleasure to develop his children to become mature "sons or daughters of God."  

"Knowledge makes arrogant, love edifies."

Another E-Book  by Charles Pinkney"s  The Gospel Without Religion

Chapter 5
The Tradition of The Clergy Vs. The Laity

THE PRIESTHOOD AND THE CLERGY-LAITY DOCTRINE

The function of the clergy or priest in Christianity is a tradition that for the most part has been a mainstay of Christian Religion for centuries. The priest, overseer tradition has continued unquestioned since the time of Constantine. For centuries every congregation had an overseer -cleric, "a man of the cloth" presiding over it. In the beginning the "church"
(ek-kles"sia=called out ones) functioned much differently than it does now.

The disciples of Jesus the Messiah were spiritually empowered to minister to the nations through the divine enablement of the Holy Spirit. It was clear from the time of the apostles that discipleship was the expectation of each and every believer. The Holy Spirit places each disciple in the Body where he/she is allowed to grow in his or her particular gift. The endowment of dunamis (Holy Spirit) power enables each disciple the credentials required to grow and function in their office. Thereafter, every new believer whether man, woman, or child came to be similarly empowered.

New believers were gradually discipled into maturity through the manifold gifts functioning in the body. (1 Peter 4:9-10) Early church ministry is in sharp contrast to what the ekklessia (church) would eventually become. The familiar clergy-focused ministry consists of a top down bishop (overseer) or pastor who was principal source of Spiritual leadership.

It is important to have a sense of what a meeting or gathering of the body fellowship was like in the time of the apostles. Every member disciple had their Spiritual gift added to enhance the body (believers who shared in common fellowship). Men and women after being saved, grew through their involvement with the body. New believers grew from novice (baby Christians) making transition from their previous lifestyles and understandings to spiritual maturity. Every new believer then and today must experience having their minds renewed through scriptural understanding. A renewed mind equates to having knowledge of Spiritual things and is a manifestation of the mind of Christ.

Those having The Holy Spirit know that he is continuously at work providing insights into living, ministering to others and participating in the body. Those without the Holy Spirit are actually outside of the Body and must rely on natural understanding. (Rom_8:9  But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.)

There can be no Spiritual understanding without the action of the Holy Spirit at work jointly and severally. Paul and Peter give substantial amount of instruction to direct our understanding in regard to the function of our place in the body and gifts of the body. The body of Christ is operable when all its members are recognized. (See Romans 12, 1 Corinthians 12, 14, 1 Peter Chapter 4.)
Before the Church Age

In Old Covenant Judaism a priest class set apart for ministry. The priest acted as a go-between between God and others in the community. The Levites were thoroughly schooled in temple priest craft and thus qualified to go to God on behalf of others. Priests met with God and receive from God on behalf of others. Priestly rites in the days of the tabernacle and the temple were detailed and had to be followed to the letter.

Throughout the world, other religions required a priest or a shaman whose task was to communicate with their gods or goddesses according to their prescribed rites. That the priest was the one person who had the proper spiritual credentials to offer incense, sacrifices, offerings, prayers and petitions to their God (gods.) The Canaanite religions had their own priests or priestesses. They led in the worship of their own demon gods or goddesses. Among these Canaanite demon gods were Baal, Molech, Chemosh, Dagon, Ashtoreth, Milcom and others. Other religions have their priests to accommodate a host of other dieties.

Christianity was intended was to be a different kind of worship and priesthood. Jesus' followers, the first disciples and apostles, were given a distinctly different charge. Jesus did not come to create a religion that required a priest.

The new creation was the fulfillment of the original Pentecost described in Exodus 19. It was JVHV's plan that there would be a kingdom of priests. The people of Israel, out of the terror of God's presence, declined that plan and insisted that Moses and Aaron should meet with God and receive any instructions to be given. After Jesus rose from the dead he met with his disciples and gave them a brand new commission, it is called the "great commission." It was to go into the world, including all nations outside of Israel and make disciples. Disciples were to be not merely believers; they were men, women and children who were spiritually transformed. Spiritually renewed believers carry with them an incorruptible seed that made (and continues to make) them a different kind of creature than their natural selves. The prophet Jeremiah gives us a description of a new kind of creation: (Jeremiah 31:31) Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel, and with the house of Judah: 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt; which my covenant they brake, although I was an husband unto them, saith the Lord: 33 But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel; After those days, saith the Lord,

I will put my law in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their God, and they shall be my people.

Jewish people who have not received Yeshua, the Messiah remain devoted to traditions in Judaism but have not yet received this transforming gift described In Jeremiah 31, a new covenant and a new spirituality. A remnant from the Jews have been called to believe but at a time future, many more will be part of this new creation. In the meantime the Gospel of grace is drawing many from all nations to the Messiah Jesus every day. They are called to believe and experience the transformation of being Born Again.

The Church Reformed, but Not Much

Since Constantine, we have inherited the tradition of a priesthood and church hierarchy that governs churches. Without questioning the fact, Christians after the 16^th century reformation continued to follow the tradition of the clergy model of priesthood practiced by the Roman Catholic church.

Roman Catholic priests who perform the ceremonies and ordinances of the "church" are dressed in priestly regalia. Such religious costume elevates and separates the official priest from the congregation as well as elevating the authority of his office before God. The priest continues to act as intermediary to God as if the common folk, the laity, could not access God in any way. Priests follow a litany of readings of Scripture planned in times past that focus on the present situation.

Catholic versus Protestant Priesthood

You may ask, "How can you say that protestants still have a priest?" It is by virtue of this fact: Protestants still have ministers and clergy who continue, in varying degrees, to administrate, to lead, and manage programs of church. The clergy select lesson topics, biblical discussions or "sermons." The men and women are expected to have been trained for "the ministry" in Bible training or seminaries. They are ordained and certified to know and uphold the ordinances and mission of their denomination. Ministry is a profession and a career for church leaders. Leadership is not a matter to be shared among the congregation except for selected deacons or elders elected to serve as a counsel of advisors.

In some cases an enlightened pastor may be thrown out by ungodly deacons. The laity is consigned to the pews to perform as audience and giving units. In most cases protestant clergy are more or less unapproachable when it comes to direction or correction from anyone in the "laity." There is a huge gulf separating those who are the clergy and those of the laity. The structure of a worship service becomes codified, routine and predictable. Worship services are governed by time allotments and number of meetings in a given day. The pastor is likely to be a true disciple maker. Body ministry and gifts of the body is generally absent from modern fellowships.

Some Biblical Passages Point to How a Church "The Body of Christ" Functions

Ephesians: 4: 11 "And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers 12 to equip the saints for the work of ministry for building up the body of Christ, 13 until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ - "

Notice the comma in some translations (like KJV) after "perfecting the saints" would suggest that not all work in the ministry. This is an error in translation since the original text is without punctuation. It should actually read " to equip the saints for the work of ministry, (Ephesians 4:12)

The point to be made is that each disciple is called to minister. We are (at least we were meant to be) trained by the practical experience of witnessing the function of the body as members each of whom possessed a functioning gift needed to edify and mature the others. The Holy Spirit is the teacher and the person who through grace works to mature every disciple. If you read Corinthians chapter 12 and Romans chapter 12, you will discover the idea of a body possessing various gifts, all of which are necessary for the growth of all. The church functioned this way in the days of the apostles and it was expected and urged to continue so thereafter.
See Jude vs. 3: Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.
It is also a great insight to see what Peter had to say about utilizing the individual gifts of 'the body.'
1 Peter 4: 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies."
This points to an entirely different function of the church and her execution of The Gospel as is commonly seen and experienced today.

In the early church, that is the church of the apostles, there were no top-down priests. There were however, overseers that managed the purity of doctrine and directed the body from apostasy. There was the activation and participation of the gifts of God. The Spiritual gifts were allocated to every believer at God's discretion. These Spiritual gifts were the provision needed to bring glory to the Father and to validate the gospel supernaturally.

Kingdoms of This World vs. The Heavenly Kingdom

We have seen individuals eagerly pursue what they believe to be God's calling. Clergy that I know often refer to their "call to minister." I find this a bit strange as I believe that those who are born of God are all called to minister using the gift that is particular to them. Today"s called tend to find themselves trained to partake in traditional institutional religion. The brand of Christianity that I refer to as churchianity takes its form and practice from that which has been practiced throughout most of the history of Christendom. Religion tends to reflect mere human wisdom and natural human efforts with little knowledge of God or the Holy Spirit's leading. How easy it is to lose the knowledge of God's best plan. Religion can produce a form of godliness and yet lack evidence of the power of God.

(2 Timothy 3:5 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!)
Those who have been touched by God's authentic power through the Holy Spirit will seek to grow in the knowledge of Spiritual things. They may express a desire to be used in ministry. The familiar path to ministry has been to enter into a school of ministerial training, a Bible school or seminary. Once credentialed they may proceed to a paying career in some area of Christian ministry. To summarize that paradigm: One who is called to the ministry becomes formally trained and graduates with ministry credentials. Now, officially qualified to minister, he or she takes charge over a body or a congregation. Thereafter, the success of a ministry professional depends upon that person's ability to please a congregation, attract members and present programs and messages in a professional way. The laity provides the audience that supports the church program and is presumably edified and sustained by their professional leadership.

Where Did the Clergy and the Laity Doctrine Come From?

Historical information allows us an insight into how the church of the apostles transitioned into religion. In the beginning individuals who made up the body of believers were called by God. Those who actually knew the early disciples wrote about the doctrines and practices of the first and second century church. There is ample free access to these writings from a search of the topic 'church fathers'. Retracing the church from its earliest days will introduce us to some who followed the original apostles most of whom were martyred. Polycarp of Smyrna, Irenaeus, Justin Martyr, Clement of Alexandria, Eusebius of Pamphilia, Origen of Alexandria are among the fathers that hearkened to the apostolic foundation of Christianity.

From the beginning those called were transformed from worldly-minded souls to individuals who discarded the values and vain philosophies of this world. They became known as disciples and saints. (This has always represented the true church.) The apostles warned their disciples that men would eventually come in who would not follow the way of truth, the faith presented by the apostolic founders. See references above in Jude v.3 and Peter and elsewhere. In my own experience of studying the word and watching religious scenarios play out, I have observed how worldly values and methodology gradually take the place of and altering Spiritual life and practice. True Spiritual discernment alone determines the right spirit from the deceptive spirits of this world.

The Function of Priests (Sacerdotalism)

In light of the gospel, with the birth of the "church" and the New Covenant, we see a discontinuation of any kind of priesthood. Jesus is the one high priest of the New Covenant. Remember that the role of priests are people believed to have the authority to minister to God or receive knowledge from God on behalf of others. Are there any who can not freely access God by faith? No, not so long as they are aware of this possibility. Thereafter, there is no need for a priest, so long as the Bible is available to them. Following the protestant reformation, 1517 and following, the priesthood was still seen as the proper function to serve a body of believers. In a time when few had access to the written word we can justify the role of a literate leader of a congregation but the concept of the functional priest should have been viewed as a vestige of the past. We are reminded of the mentality of priesthood and laity in any church where there are pulpits and pews.

Addressing The Need For Real Discipleship
Leaders with knowledge and experience in the Word of truth, (not necessarily credentialed) are used to mature those who have just come out of the world into entering the God-centered life. Those who carry experience and knowledge of the word are called 'elders.' These elders should understand the apostolic ways of God in order to protect the new believer from error. Believers are edified and grow through mutual sharing and testimony. Thus all participate take part in the edification of the body. Both those new to the faith and those with depth of knowledge are co- participants through koinonia (freely sharing in a common assembly.) God the Holy Spirit ought to be an active participant in the fellowship everything is for edification that is if the congregation has not been taught that the Holy Spirit power is not for today.

The Way Church Was Done in the Days of the Apostles

A new testament fellowship meeting (koinonia) is described in 1 Corinthian Chapter 14.) An important aspect of a fellowship meeting may be the communion remembrance, scripture discoveries and sharing testimonies. Testimonies build faith and encourage the new and seasoned believer alike. Sadly, testimonies are rare. Where God has not been a participant in lives their will few if any testimonies. Fellowship is to be without confusion and in good order with allowance for the Holy Spirit to guide and direct as Paul informs us in the above passage in 1Cor.14. There need not be any time constraint on an open meeting gathering. All things are done decently and in order using a host or moderator.

Priesthood by definition is any system in which a person (a leader or person of authority) intervenes with God on behalf of others. The revelation of the New Covenant Gospel points to a new dispensation: a priesthood of all believers. Further, in the book of Revelation, John receives a vision of the churches and among these we find reference to the doctrine of the Nicolaitians, (Rev.2:6) a doctrine that God despises. Nicolaitiaism is a system in which a leader assumes control over a body of common believers and essentially take them captive, ruling over them and dispensing whatever teaching he deems necessary, making merchandise of the sheep. In my opinion, the priesthood fulfills the definition of Nicolaitan. Many cults such as Jim Jones of Jonestown fame, begin to function in accordance with this model. Pastors who exert a stifling control over a congregation also fit this application.

We find it hard to compare the forms of worship and discipleship described in the epistles to that which we find in most formal church experiences known today. In the early days of the church there was no formalized ministry. There was apostolic leadership that brought the gospel, discipled believers and released them to lead and minister in their own communities. There were no theology schools, nor accrediting agencies to credential ministers but there was the active reliance upon the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus which was promised to guide and equip believers in all matters of spiritual witness. The churches (ekklesia) consist only of believers who after being told the good news, received the free gift of salvation. Unbelievers are converted when exposed to the action of the Holy Spirit working through the body. Believers are the disciples to whom it is given to experience the powers of the world to come (The Kingdom of Heaven.)

These first century believers were not taught in schools of theology, even as Christ was not schooled formally as were the Jewish Pharisees and doctors of the law. Yet, the saints of the first century experienced the mighty works of God on a day to day basis. All learned that Jesus (Yeshua) the Christ (Messiah) made it possible for any and all who believed to become adopted children of God; new creations through acknowledgment that Jesus' died for the sin of all humankind. With the empowerment of the Holy Spirit each were led to understand that they could partake in the exploits that replicated Jesus' ministry. The Holy Spirit and Power (dunamis) was given at Pentecost.

The Power of God Heralds a New Status of Humanity
In the time of the fall in Eden, mankind lost their status as children of God. Thereafter, human beings were born according to fallen Adam's form and likeness. In the centuries following the Patriarchs, only an occasional prophet was raised up to be anointed and to speak for God. But for the most part individuals could not know God, nor meet with him personally. When Adam lost his dominion over the earth, Satan became the default 'god of this world.' He was acting in this capacity when he tempted the Lord in the wilderness. The tempter said, "All of these kingdoms are mine and I give them to whom I wish.." Lucifer was willing to make a deal with Jesus, offering these kingdoms with the stipulation that Jesus would worship and give homage to him. This would have the effect of defeating the plan of redemption through the promised seed of the woman. (Genesis 3:15)

Jesus Christ came to fulfill his mission as the "son of man" and the lamb of God. In this role, He prepared the way for us. Crucified and raised from the dead Jesus became more than Messiah King of the Jews. He became the savior and redeemer of all humankind. We who were outside of the fellowship of God could at last, know Him, have fellowship with Him, and even call Him Abba, Daddy. This is the Good News!

Throughout the earliest days of the Christian faith the question has been asked and must continue to be asked, "Should we obey God or man?" In order to distinguish between these two voices something is required of us: To begin, each of us must acknowledge that the Bible IS the Word of Truth and trust it to be the single valid source of truth and doctrine. Too few in the modern world have actually discovered this and believe it. Secondly it is required of us to listen to the voice of inner witness which God has given to all his children. Those seeking truth will usually seek some expert, theologian, or cleric explain to explain to us what is written.

About New Believers
We all go through a spiritual infancy. At such times you are open and eager to grow in the knowledge of God. During these times we find that God is always close at hand. He is quick to reveal himself and to answer prayers and to support you as you grow. But this is also a precarious time because in our eagerness to learn the ways of God we can be taken captive easily by wrong doctrine and fall into the trap of religion which we accept willingly enough. (1Corinthians 12v1-2)

New believers require time to renew their minds and their habits of lifestyle and even beliefs they formerly held to be reasonable and true. The renewing of the mind is achieved only as we absorb the words of the Bible. The epistles written by the first apostles describe the nature of the spiritual life and the parameters of community and discipleship. The Holy Spirit baptism is the power and the prerequisite for any such discipleship and growth. Many will argue the theology of this statement. I will argue however, that this baptism of power is a second act of Grace proven by the study of the Book of acts. This baptism opens our eyes to heavenly things. It bears witness to the Spirit of Truth that the world can not receive nor comprehend.

If any expert tells you, with assumed authority, that the gifts of the first century apostolic church have disappeared (doctrine of cessationism), do not believe them. Flea quickly any association from any such group or authority. As Jesus said addressed leaven of the Pharisees (religious traditionalists without spiritual understanding); who resisted the Holy Spirit. Matt 23: 15 "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel land and sea to win one proselyte, and when he is won, you make him twice as much a son of hell as yourselves." (also see Revelation Chapter 8, Stephen's testimony of how the religious always withstand the Holy Spirit.)

We begin our spiritual path as spiritual infants who crave "the milk of the Word." Too many who God has called to be established as a new born child of God become polluted with religious doctrine. Our understandings can be poisoned and corrupted by evil doctrine. As a result, many receive the wrong Jesus, the wrong spirit, or the wrong gospel. (1 Corinthians,11;3) Discerning truth is a constant challenge.

Religion presents teachings or stipulations that become binding or obligatory upon the followers. Are we to question the teachings of traditional authorities? Yes, prove all teachings with scripture. Are we to question the doctrine of our church or church leadership? Yes, there are many in the pulpit, who are nothing more than "blind guides." Many who question will be shunned, or dismissed as heretical. Though we suffer condemnation it becomes the path to liberty.

WHAT IS MINISTRY? WHAT IS A MINISTER?

In the New Testament texts, the word translated "ministry" is translated from service. The term ministry comes from Greek Diakonia. Thus ministry means to serve. Through the process of generations of religious practice, ministry has come to mean something else, something formal and liturgical. Gifts denoted experience and leadership become designated as a religious office.e.g. Pastor, Deacon, Bishop, or Cardinal. Within the context of "church house" practices, ministry has been defined and restricted to that which is done behind a pulpit and then only by the few with "credentials."

All Believers are called Disciples and Saints
According to the Scripture, discipleship is the keystone of the gospel. Yet, it is rarely taught to church congregations with the emphasis that Jesus gave to his own first disciples or apostles. All believers are trainees or disciples in the Kingdom of God. And all disciples are expected to to minister what he has been given by the Holy Spirit (A particular gift of God). "As every person has received the (free) gift, so minister the same to one another." (1Peter 4:11)
To grow in the Spiritual life of God we are instructed that we can be transformed into the pattern of Jesus the Son of God. and through him becoming partakers of the Lord's ministry as well as his spiritual attributes. These attributes include the gifts of the Spirit, (Galatians 5:22) love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. All demonstrate the character of compassion and the ability to serve in kindness, (charity) through the Spirit of Love. Through such ministry (service) the path is open to see human lives restored and perfected. 

The Tradition of the Professional Clergy

There are some elements in the institutional church that are positive. These include social relationships and a place to receive teachings and moral precepts that are Biblical. But even in this light such deeper and more intimate relationships are limited and lack deeper levels of discipleship and growth in the knowledge of heavenly things. Institutional religion has remained a long standing stronghold and is resistant to change and resolute. Institutional religion in some ways is in descendency as numbers who participate gradually decline. But olld habits and traditions die hard. The inertia of centuries of social tradition is hard to alter.

We have learned to accept without question, the role of a professional clergy person. Many of these men and women have wonderful natural gifting. Many are brilliant communicators, possessing compassion and dedication. These will I believe, received their heavenly rewards according to the fruitfulness in their calling. Such who carry the love and zeal of God are beloved by those who they touch or disciple. The gift and calling of a Spiritual shepherd is a gift to disciple the body. A pastoral gift enables mentor-ship and , encouragement. The pastoral call may just as easily minister that gift outside of the parameters of religious formalism. But this may be a call without a salary or a congregation. The shepherding gift forms caring relationships. It brings with it a necessary compassion and wisdom to minister hope, encouragement, wisdom to strengthen the 'flock.' Leadership is based upon experience and depth of understanding of the Word of God and the True Gospel. It should not be imagined as a mere career calling. I know very few who fit these criteria.

Conversely, there are others among the certified clergy who may not even know God. Some do not apprise themselves of all his promises and power. Unlike the apostle Paul who said I determine to know nothing among you but Jesus Christ crucified and to demonstrate the reality of his ruler-ship by the power of God. There are innumerable trained clergy professionals who presume to substitute sermonettes rather than in demonstrating and discipling believers in the Spiritual life, understanding and demonstrating the power of the Spirit. Among those in the ministry, many exalt 'preaching.' Eloquence and persuasive speech and the ability to hold an audience in awe is a prerequisite for clerical success.

I believe that most in professional clergy presume their own pre-eminence owing to their credentials. It would be a great if people approved with seminary credentials would use as a doorway to service, to bless and to edify. Sadly these spiritual credentials are often turned into a tool of personal gain and control over others.

The Body Divides With Clergy and the Laity

The Clergy-Laity doctrine divides the flock into two disparate parts. The good shepherd story described in John's gospel, chapter 10, describes the characteristics of a good shepherd. It lists among the virtues, intimacy and closeness of the shepherd to the flock. The shepherd knows each of his charges and calls them by name; he will sacrifice his personal comfort and life for the flock. Finally we are told that Jesus is this shepherd. The psalmist has written almost a thousand years before, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." Jesus Christ remains the true shepherd, the true bishop (overseer) and shepherd (pastor) of our souls."

Jesus modeled correct shepherding. His ministry modeled preaching, teaching and leading with care and compassion. The Messiah demonstrated his Spiritual credentials with miracles, signs and wonders, and with deliverance from the demonic. Jesus knew the Father's plan to extend the Kingdom of God and eventually to establish the Millennial Kingdom. He gave more intimate insight to his closest disciples. Jesus engaged in dialogue with these closest disciples and to them he expounded deeper truths and unraveled parables.

Jesus came and ministered with authority and yet with the meekness of a servant. He was a friend to sinners. He came to seek, and to save, and to serve. Modern church members tend to exalt leadership and place them on unrealistic pedestals and grant them unusual authority. Jesus taught us about those who lead: (Matthew 23) "Who is the greatest among you, Jesus said, shall be a servant to all." Moreover, Jesus instructed his own disciples not to place one man over others. He required that they were not to give titles to these 'masters' saying call no man master, No man teacher, No man father. This ought to qualify as a template by which to measure the character and role of those in the role of pastoral leadership.

THE BODY: The Body is Edified By ALL (A Multiplicity of Gifts)

One individual with a pastoral gifting will not carry all of the ministry gifts. A multiplicity of ministry gifts are needed to fully edify the body. (Ephesians 4) God in fact has more than one finger on his hands. There is something called the 5-fold ministry, which includes apostles, prophets, teachers, pastors, and evangelists. We might also consider the other hand as a body has two hands; consider additional gifts or, 5 other ministries which serve the body in a less formal or visible way. So called apostolic movements tend to reintroduce the hierarchical structure and a network or association of high profile and highly paid Christian 'celebrities' all eager to provide seminars or conferences to garner large offerings and expand their ministries.

Guidance To The Body From Spiritually Mature Mentors

Throughout the apostolic letters we are told that mature men of God were to guide and direct to maintain purity of doctrine and practices. These were designated overseers (Gr. presbuteros) of the local flocks (fellowships) of God. These bodies met in a form and place having no resemblance to church houses today.

Overseers need spiritual experience more than theological credentials! The apostolic intention was to keep our faith and traditions accurate and steadfast. This model must continue to stand. What was written by the apostles was delivered with the intention of providing guidance and knowledge of the kingdom for believers for all times. Maturity in faith and spiritual understanding prepared elders or overseers. These men and woman having depth of experience in the Spiritual life are necessary to provide balance and correction so that true doctrine be maintained and enforced among the fellowship.

After the early days of Christianity, elders, pastors, or overseers evolved into an office that assumed the whole responsibility of "ministry." Thus the evolution into the clergy roles of today. There is some interest in returning to the form of early church fellowship and worship today. In most cases it takes the form of small group meetings that are sponsored by larger church ministries. It is at least a first step to a return to New Testament forms of Koinonia, the Ekklesia the unity and harmony Christians assembling together.

Chapter 6
A PRIMER ON PROPHECY - part 1

In the book of Revelation 19:10 the Bible summarizes the prophetic message. It is the line that proceeds from Genesis to Revelation: "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." This can also be stated "the testimony of the Messiah." We find revelations of the Messiah or a typology that points to him. The Bible becomes "his story."
PROPHECIES HAVE BEEN FULFILLED Or ARE BEING FULFILLED
1. The Very First Prophecy is one dates back to Genesis.
It has been in effect over thousands of years and it continues to be fulfilled to the present day: (This portion of scripture is referred to as the Proto Evangelium.)
Genesis:3:15:  "- - I will put enmity between thee (speaking of Satan) and the woman, ( Speaking of Eve) and between thy seed and her seed (her offspring).  It (the promised seed, Messiah) shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel (The promised Messiah is promised to eventually destroy Satan's dominion over the earth.)
        This passage in Genesis may seem obscure, strange or unimportant, at first reading. But in actual fact, it foretells in a few words the ages-long story of the struggle between two spiritual adversaries who were, and still are in a contest for control of life and lives on the planet.
The conflict has continued from Adam's fall throughout the generations for nearly 6000 years. The adversaries engaged in a cosmic battle are Elohim and Satan. Until the present time God, Elohim, has prevailed, as evidenced that the Messiah, Jesus, has already come to achieve his mission in this world, despite continuous roadblocks and challenges. From the arrival of the patriarch in Canaan to Moses and the exodus adversaries worked on behalf of Satan to destroy the messianic line. Following Moses and to the birth of Jesus and the cross Satan thought he could prevent God"s plan but  God's plan will continue to come to fruition. As we approach the end of days, God's Holy One, the Messiah will ultimately vanquish his old spiritual enemy. We see the conclusion of this world"s history recorded in the final chapters of the book of Revelation. After the last prophetic confrontation at the end of the book, we win!
Satan will for a short time remain the default ruler of this world. He remains "the Prince of the Power of the Air." He gained this dominion due to Adams forfeiture. Satan's seed is a study largely untaught about non-human mixtures that have occurred previously in the days of Noah and after unto the present. Most Christians are unfamiliar with the account of the fallen angels who intruded in the earth to corrupt the human species. (Genesis Chapter 6) This incursion and corruption played a large role in God's determination to destroy the intermingled population in the great flood, it will be of a similar kind of intrusion at the end of this age.
John 10 explains that the True Shepherd must enter the sheep fold in a "legal and correct way." This means that Messiah must be born into this world by a human birth. Satan is disqualified from being a shepherd. (The sheepfold is the earth. The Son of Man is born into the "sheep gate" of the world as he was born in human flesh (the Seed of the woman). Lucifer was never born of a woman and is therefore the false shepherd who comes to destroy the flock. The virgin-born Messiah is the good and True Shepherd.
The adversary has, from the time of the flood, sought to corrupt the human form. The Land of Canaan was populated by races in which the inhabitants were of a kind of hybrid mixture,  human but not entirely. The DNA they carried was partly from fallen angels.
Genesis Chapter 6 describes the time of the "fallen ones." There were giants, (Nephilim)  and other chimera on the earth. These were part human part animal. These demigod entities followed the worship taught them by demons.
The patriarchs and Moses were cautioned to destroy these races, lest they themselves become victims and be defiled spiritually and physically. Take a look at Genesis Chapter 6 to get some understanding of this aspect of ancient Biblical history. It was said in Genesis that Noah alone was "perfect in his generations." Noah was perfect in his "generation." His DNA had not been corrupted.
Noah and his family, a total of 8 persons were selected to preserve the 'seed of the woman' that would eventually produce the line of the Messiah, the Son of Man. Satan hates humans because they are in the image and likeness of God. This battle to destroy the human race has continued for thousands of years and will continue until the "End of the Age." This contest determines who will have the rule of this planet. In the beginning the 'God of Creation' planted human life to enjoy fellowship with the creator and have dominion in a perfect world. If Satan were allowed to be the winner of the contest, he would have rulership over this world and, in his thinking, prove himself more worthy to rule this world than God. The battle ground wages on earth and does not extend into other worlds or alien planets. Satan wants to destroy what God made and replace the pure human race created by Elohim planted on the earth. The future perfection of the children of God is promised to return as spoken by the prophets. At the present we humans are after the likeness of Adam and Eve. We although fallen are  promised an upgrade when "The Perfect Has Come! (1Corinthians 13:10) We long for the day of perfection when we can walk in total unity with our creator.
2. A few prophecies concerning Jesus (among 500 prophecies of his first coming.)

• God would raise up a new prophet like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15

• His mother would be a virgin." Isaiah 7:14 

• His birth." Micah 5:2 

• The timing of his public appearance, And his dying for the people: Daniel 9.-25; 9:26

• A time of God's favor, "the acceptable year of the Lord": Isaiah 61:1,2 (note the omission of the vengeance of God portion) 

• Jesus prophesies his own resurrection: (John 2:10; Mark 14:58) 

• Jesus would leave his heavenly home and then return again, after his earthly incarnation, returning to heaven Hosea 5:15 

3: A few prophecies concerning Israel (too vast to list here)

• Israel would go into captivity in Egypt and later tp Babylon: 
  
  Genesis 15.-13; Jeremiah 20-22; 24-22 32-34,47, etc. 

• Israel would return to Jerusalem after captivity from Babylon Jeremiah 29:10 

• Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple: Matt: 24:2 

• Jesus prophesies that he will be rejected by his people: Luke 17.-25

• Jesus prophesies the woes that follow their denying God"s messiah: Luke 19:44

• Israel would not receive God"s son as messiah but will accept another: John 5:43

• Jerusalem will be a troublesome stone and despised by the world: Zechariah: 12:2

• The Lord will "ght against the assembled enemies of Israel on the day of his return: Zechariah 14:3, 4

• Israel will finally acknowledge that Jesus is the true messiah with great sorrow: Zechariah 12:10

4: Prophecies regarding the creation of a "new man or woman"

• How God would do a new thing, transforming us into God's nature; planting the law in our hearts. Isaiah 43:5-7; Jeremiah 23:7-8

• The mystery revealed by Paul regarding the coming resurrection and our partaking in it (his resurrection):
  1 Corinthians 15:14; 1 Cor. 15:51

• The revelation of the sons of God: 1 John 3:2 (Now we are the children of God"; When He appears we will be like him!)

5. Future prophecies regarding the future of Jerusalem 

• The rebirth of a nation scattered throughout the earth: Isaiah 43:5-7Jeremiah 23:7-8 

• The temple will be rebuilt following the peace accord, (Daniel 9:26) temple worship begins during the first half of the 
  7 year tribulation. (Preparation for the 3rd temple is now in progress. Levites are already selected and are being trained, 
  all temple instruments are ready.)

•  The "abomination" which is the image of the Antichrist erected in the Holy Place, the Antichrist commands sacrifices there.
    This event will mark the mid point (3.5 years) into the tribulation. Matt. 24:15

• In Jesus's Olivet prophecy it is only the Jewish people who are being addressed. This prophecy was given before 
  the "church" was born.  The Jews in the first half of the tribulation will again be following Mosaic law. 
  Matt 24:20 Luke and Mark 13:18

• The restoration of Israel is spoken of in metaphor of the dry bones: Ezekiel chapter 37.

• A major war against a confederacy of nations including Russia will be fought in Israel 
  
  and meet with a supernatural defeat: Ezekiel 38; 39

6. Prophecies regarding the coming millennial kingdom

• Vision of Nebuchadnezzar as seen by Daniel: Daniel 2:44, An eternal kingdom that shall (stand forever.)

• The nations shall no longer war; swords will be turned into pruning hooks: Isaiah 2:4-9 

• The earth will become redeemed and renewed. Jesus will be seated on David's throne. READ Isaiah 11:4-9

• Those who will enter the Kingdom: The Sheep and Goat judgment; Matthew 25

• The redeemed will rule and reign with Christ in the Kingdom: Luke 22:28-30 
  The Bible declares how believers will rule and reign with Christ in the Kingdom: Luke:19.-17, Matt. 25:21

• Paul explains; Do you not know that you will judge angels? 1Corinthians 6:3-7.

•  The yet future "great and terrible day" of the Lord's wrath: ' The Lord will roar from Zion and utter 
  his voice from Jerusalem: Joel 3:16

• The vengeance of our God: Isaiah 61:2(b) (This prophecy did not apply to the first coming
   or to the current era of grace which is called the church age.)

• The "great and terrible day" that God will punish the wicked: Proverbs 16: 4,5

• The fury of His indignation: Isaiah 34:2

• The day of wrath and Judgment called the "Day of the Lord": Isaiah 2:12; Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 46:10 
  and many others speak of the day of "wrath."

 PROPHECY SESSION 2

Typology of the Days of Noah and the Days of Lot

Jesus says that the end of the age will be as it was in the days of Noah and Lot (Judgment of Sodom) Matthew 24:36-44 (Olivet discourse) Luke 17:26-36 (Olivet discourse)

The righteous must be removed before judgment falls! Genesis 6:5-8 (only Noah elected to be saved.)

Genesis 19:15-17 and 19:20-22 (Lot his wife and two daughters were elected to be saved)

Prophecy foretells the End From The Beginning: Isaiah 46:9-10

Birth of the Messiah prophecy is fulfilled, death of Messiah prophecy fulfilled:

Second coming and Kingdom age (the millennium) are future prophecies.

Rebirth of Israel: (God"s time piece) Balfour declaration 2017 - - European Jews return to homeland 1947

6 day war, returns Jerusalem to Jewish hands, 50 years, a jubilee, after 6 day war, 70 Years after 6 day war, Trump declares Jerusalem capital of Israel against great opposition

The Prophetic "Day of the Lord" The Day of God"s Wrath against the ungodly

Isaiah 2:10-2:12; Isaiah 13:13 and many other passages describe the final cleansing of the ungodly from the earth. NT Romans 1:18; 1 Thess:1:10 "- you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
1Thes. 5:9-10 " - 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.."

JESUS gives signs of the time of the end Matthew 24: (Parable of the fig tree) Jesus prophesies the future when four of his disciples ask him about the end of the age and his return: The main point that Jesus emphasized was the danger of deception which he repeats again and again. Apostasy and deception has marked the entire church age. The apostles themselves all had to deal with matters pertaining to the true gospel. (Jude 3) (1 John 2) (2 Peter 2) etc. (Rev. 2,3)

On the page following I have listed the categories of end time signs.
Turn the page over.

PROPHECY SESSION 3

SIGNS OF THE TIMES EXPRESSED IN SIX AREAS

NATURE
Distress of nature is noted by Jesus in his description of end times in Matt 24, Luke 21, Mark 13. Famines, Floods, Earth Quakes, Plagues, These gradually increase becoming

more severe in frequency and strength. These are compared to birth pains.
We see unexpected mass die-off of birds, animals and fish. These are reported almost monthly. The phenomena of rivers turning blood red have been described and filmed.
At the time of this edit there are unusual weather phenomena and strange sounds that continue for hours. The source of these sounds can"t be determined and sound like monstrous trumpets reverberating in the heavens over many countries.

SOCIETY
1 Timothy 4 and 2 Timothy 3 describe the characteristics of people without the love of God or expression of natural affection. The worst of the fallen natural man will be seen: They are greedy, disrespectful and unthankful, etc. Galatians 5:19-21 describes the nature of the unredeemed who are ruled by the flesh and entirely self-serving motives.

SPIRITUAL

As we approach the end of the church age we see departure from the Biblical faith. People will seek a religious mode that appeals to their own interests. Secularism and worldliness will invade churches. Jesus will not be the one way to be saved.

The Antichrist will be revealed with powers of lying wonders. In certain ways he will replicate the authentic Christ. He will be seen as a man of peace, a man of brilliant wisdom and compassion. He will validate his authority with supernatural miracles, (lying) signs and wonders, be raised from the dead (Rev. 13:3) He will bring peace through deception, expression of inclusion and tolerance of all faith.

POLITICAL

We are seeing the reforming of individual nations into a coalition of nations. (Daniel 2) The UN is exerting authority to set aside our constitution and control our laws. There is be a push to make the world a world without borders. Nations are in a struggles to retain their national identity and their sovereignty. The first order in the NEW WORLD ORDER is to outlaw borders and boundaries between nations. The revived Roman Empire will re-form into United Europe and a center that will be the ruling seat of the Antichrist.

TECHNOLOGY
The twentieth century has seen the transition from horse and buggy to rockets to the moon. Daniel the prophet said Daniel 12:4 -"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
New technology: Artificial intelligence, is now able to recreate images that are entirely artificial; A I it has just been announced can write and edit without the aid of human oversight. Genetic engineering, designer dna splicing, organ growth in non humans

CERN Atom accelerator has as its goal to replicate material in the atom when the universe was formed. It will provide a portal between the spiritual dimension and the physical.
ISRAEL - - Rebirth of Israel, prophesied Ezekiel 37 (See over)
Isaiah 43:5-7 _ Jeremiah 23:7-8 "- 7 "Therefore, behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "that they shall no longer say, "As the Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt, 8 but, "As the Lord lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them." And they shall dwell in their own land." The Ezekiel 38 War with alliance of neighboring Islamic countries and Russia.
Armageddon: The final war in Israel where nations face the Returning Messiah Rev. 16:16 The tribulation temple: Is ready to be assembled, All priestly garb and instruments are ready.

THE PROPHETIC DOCTRINE OF
THE RAPTURE OF ALL TRUE BELIEVERS
BEFORE THE FINAL JUDGMENT

LAST DAYS PROPHECY OF THE RAPTURE
A Primer on Prophecy, Continued

In Revelation 19:10 the Bible summarizes the prophetic message. It is the line that proceeds from Genesis to Revelation: "The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy." This can also be stated "the testimony of the Messiah." We find revelations of the Messiah or a typology that points to him. The Bible becomes "his story."

PROPHECIES HAVE BEEN FULFILLED Or ARE BEING FULFILLED 
1. The Very First Prophecy is one dates back to Genesis. 

It has been in effect over thousands of years and it continues to be fulfilled to the present day: 

(This portion of scripture is referred to as the Proto Evangelium.) 

Genesis:3:15:  "- - I will put enmity between thee (speaking of Satan) and the woman, 

( Speaking of Eve) and between thy seed and her seed (her offspring).  It (the promised seed, Messiah) 

shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel 

(The promised Messiah is promised to eventually destroy Satan's dominion over the earth.)        
This passage in Genesis may seem obscure, strange or unimportant, at first reading. 

But in actual fact, it foretells in a few words the ages-long story of the struggle between two spiritual adversaries who were, 

and still remain in a contest for control of life and lives on the planet. 

	The conflict has continued from Adam's fall throughout the generations for nearly 6000 years. The adversaries 

engaged in a cosmic battle are Elohim and Satan. Until the present time God, Elohim, has prevailed, as evidenced 

that the Messiah, 
Jesus, has already come to achieve his mission in this world, despite continuous roadblocks and challenges. From the arrival 

of the patriarch in Canaan to Moses and the exodus adversaries worked on behalf of Satan to destroy the messianic line. 

Following Moses and to the birth of Jesus and the cross Satan thought he could prevent God"s plan but  God's plan will 

continue to come to fruition. As we approach the end of days, God's Holy One, the Messiah will ultimately vanquish his old 

spiritual enemy. We see the conclusion of this world"s history recorded in the final chapters of the book of Revelation. 

After the last prophetic confrontation at the end of the book, we win!

Satan will for a short time remain the default ruler of this world. He remains "the Prince of the Power of the Air." 

He gained this dominion due to Adams forfeiture. Satan's seed is a study largely untaught about non-human mixtures 

that have occurred previously in the days of Noah and after unto the present. Most Christians are unfamiliar with the 

account of the fallen angels who intruded in the earth to corrupt the human species. (Genesis Chapter 6) This incursion 

and corruption played a large role in God's determination to destroy the intermingled population in the great flood, 

it will be of a similar kind of intrusion at the end of this age. 

	John 10 explains that the True Shepherd must enter the sheep fold in a "legal and correct way." This means that Messiah 

must be born into this world by a human birth. Satan is disqualified from being a shepherd. (The sheepfold is the earth. 

The Son of Man is born into the "sheep gate" of the world as he was born in human flesh (the Seed of the woman). 

Lucifer was never born of a woman and is therefore the false shepherd who comes to destroy the flock. The virgin-born Messiah 

is the good and True Shepherd. 

	The adversary has, from the time of the flood, sought to corrupt the human form. The Land of Canaan was populated 

by races in which the inhabitants were of a kind of hybrid mixture,  human but not entirely. 

The DNA they carried was partly from fallen angels.

Genesis Chapter 6 describes the time of the "fallen ones." There were giants, (Nephilim)  and other chimera on the earth. 

These were part human part animal. These demi-god entities followed the worship taught them by demons.

The patriarchs and Moses were cautioned to destroy these races, lest they themselves become victims and be defiled 

spiritually and physically. 

	Take a look at Genesis Chapter 6 to get some understanding of this aspect of ancient Biblical history. It was said in 

Genesis that Noah alone was "perfect in his generations." Noah was perfect in his "generation." 

His DNA had not been corrupted.

	Noah and his family, a total of 8 persons were selected to preserve the 'seed of the woman' that would eventually 

produce the line of the Messiah, the Son of Man. Satan hates humans because they are in the image and likeness of God. 

This battle to destroy the human race has continued for thousands of years and will continue until the "End of the Age." 

This contest determines who will have the rule of this planet. In the beginning the 'God of Creation' planted human life to 

enjoy fellowship with the creator and have dominion in a perfect world. If Satan were allowed to be the winner of the contest, 

he would have rulership over this world and, in his thinking, prove himself more worthy to rule this world than God. 

The battle ground wages on earth and does not extend into other worlds or alien planets. Satan wants to destroy what God 

made and replace the pure human race created by Elohim planted on the earth. The future perfection of the children of God is

 promised to return as spoken by the prophets. At the present we humans are after the likeness of Adam and Eve. 

We although fallen are  promised an upgrade when "The Perfect Has Come! (1Corinthians 13:10) We long for the day of perfection 

when we can walk in total unity with our creator. 
 
2. A few prophecies concerning Jesus (among 500 prophecies of his first coming.)

• God would raise up a new prophet like Moses: Deuteronomy 18:15

• His mother would be a virgin." Isaiah 7:14 

• His birth." Micah 5:2 

• The timing of his public appearance, And his dying for the people: Daniel 9.-25; 9:26

• A time of God's favor, "the acceptable year of the Lord": Isaiah 61:1,2 (note the omission of the vengeance of God portion) 

• Jesus prophesies his own resurrection: (John 2:10; Mark 14:58) 

• Jesus would leave his heavenly home and then return again, after his earthly incarnation, returning to heaven Hosea 5:15 

3: A few prophecies concerning Israel (too vast to list here)

• Israel would go mm captivity in Egypt later Babylon: Genesis 15.-13; Jeremiah 20-22; 24-22 32-34,47, etc. 

• Israel would return to Jerusalem after captivity from Babylon Jeremiah 29:10 

• Jesus prophesies the destruction of the temple: Matt: 24:2 

• Jesus prophesies that he will be rejected by his people: Luke 17.-25

• Jesus prophesies the woes that follow their denying God"s messiah: Luke 19:44

• Israel would not receive God"s son as messiah but will accept another: John 5:43

• Jerusalem will be a troublesome stone and despised by the world: Zechariah: 12:2

• The Lord will "ght against the assembled enemies of Israel on the day of his return: Zechariah 14:3, 4

• Israel will finally acknowledge that Jesus is the true messiah with great sorrow: Zechariah 12:10

4: Prophecies regarding the creation of a "new man or woman"

• How God would do a new thing, transforming us into God's nature; planting the law in our hearts.
   Isaiah 43:5-7; Jeremiah 23:7-8

• The mystery revealed by Paul regarding the coming resurrection and our partaking in it (his resurrection):
  1 Corinthians 15:14; 1 Cor. 15:51

• The revelation of the sons of God: 1 John 3:2 (Now we are the children of God"; When He appears we will be like him!)

5. Future prophecies regarding the future of Jerusalem 

• The rebirth of a nation scattered throughout the earth: Isaiah 43:5-7Jeremiah 23:7-8 

• The temple will be rebuilt following the peace accord, (Daniel 9:26) temple worship begins during 
  the first half of the 7 year tribulation.
  (Preparation for the 3rd temple is now in progress. Levites are already selected and are being trained, 
  all temple instruments are ready.)

•  The "abomination" which is the image of the Antichrist erected in the Holy Place, 
  the Antichrist commands sacrifices there.   This event will mark the mid point (3.5 years) 
  into the tribulation. Matt. 24:15

• In Jesus's Olivet prophecy it is only the Jewish people who are being addressed. This prophecy was given 
  before the "church" was born. 
  The Jews in the first half of the tribulation will again be following Mosaic law. Matt 24:20 Luke and Mark 13:18

• The restoration of Israel is spoken of in metaphor of the dry bones: Ezekiel chapter 37.

• A major war against a confederacy of nations including Russia will be fought in Israel and meet with 
  
  a supernatural defeat: Ezekiel 38; 39

6. Prophecies regarding the coming millennial kingdom

• Vision of Nebuchadnezzar as seen by Daniel: Daniel 2:44, An eternal kingdom that shall (stand forever.)

• The nations shall no longer war; swords will be turned into pruning hooks: Isaiah 2:4-9 

• The earth will become redeemed and renewed. Jesus will be seated on David's throne. READ Isaiah 11:4-9

• Those who will enter the Kingdom: The Sheep and Goat judgment; Matthew 25

• The redeemed will rule and reign with Christ in the Kingdom: Luke 22:28-30 
  The Bible declares how believers will rule and reign with Christ in the Kingdom: Luke:19.-17, Matt. 25:21

• Paul explains; Do you not know that you will judge angels? 1Corinthians 6:3-7.

•  The yet future "great and terrible day" of the Lord's wrath: ' The Lord will roar from Zion and utter 
  his voice from Jerusalem: Joel 3:16

• The vengeance of our God: Isaiah 61:2(b) (This prophecy did not apply to the first coming
   or to the current era of grace which is called the church age.)

• The "great and terrible day" that God will punish the wicked: Proverbs 16: 4,5

• The fury of His indignation: Isaiah 34:2

• The day of wrath and Judgment called the "Day of the Lord": Isaiah 2:12; Isaiah 13:6; Jeremiah 46:10 
  and many others speak of the day of "wrath."

 PROPHECY SESSION 2

Typology of the Days of Noah and the Days of Lot

Jesus says that the end of the age will be as it was in the days of Noah and Lot (Judgment of Sodom) Matthew 24:36-44 (Olivet discourse) Luke 17:26-36 (Olivet discourse)

The righteous must be removed before judgment falls!
Genesis 6:5-8 (only Noah elected to be saved.)

Genesis 19:15-17 and 19:20-22 (Lot his wife and two daughters were elected to be saved)

Prophecy foretells the End From The Beginning: Isaiah 46:9-10

Birth of the Messiah prophecy is fulfilled, death of Messiah prophecy fulfilled: Second coming and Kingdom age (the millennium) are future prophecies.

Rebirth of Israel: (God"s time piece) Balfour declaration 2017 - - European Jews return to homeland 1947

6 day war, returns Jerusalem to Jewish hands, 50 years, a jubilee, after 6 day war, 70 Years after 6 day war, Trump declares Jerusalem capital of Israel against great opposition

The Prophetic "Day of the Lord" The Day of God"s Wrath against the ungodly

Isaiah 2:10-2:12; Isaiah 13:13 and many other passages describe the final cleansing of the ungodly from the earth. NT Romans 1:18; 1 Thess:1:10 "- you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

1Thes. 5:9-10 " - 9 For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.."

JESUS gives signs of the time of the end Matthew 24: (Parable of the fig tree) Jesus prophesies the future when four of his disciples ask him about the end of the age and his return: The main point that Jesus emphasized was the danger of deception which he repeats again and again. Apostasy and deception has marked the entire church age. The apostles themselves all had to deal with matters pertaining to the true gospel. (Jude 3) (1 John 2) (2 Peter 2) etc. (Rev. 2,3)

On the page following I have listed the categories of end time signs.

PROPHECY SESSION 3 -
SIGNS OF THE TIMES EXPRESSED IN SIX AREAS

NATURE
Distress of nature is noted by Jesus in his description of end times in Matt 24, Luke 21, Mark 13. Famines, Floods, Earth Quakes, Plagues, These gradually increase becoming

more severe in frequency and strength. These are compared to birth pains.
We see unexpected mass die-off of birds, animals and fish. These are reported almost monthly. The phenomena of rivers turning blood red have been described and filmed.
At the time of this edit there are unusual weather phenomena and strange sounds that continue for hours. The source of these sounds can"t be determined and sound like monstrous trumpets reverberating in the heavens over many countries.

SOCIETY
1 Timothy 4 and 2 Timothy 3 describe the characteristics of people without the love of God or expression of natural affection. The worst of the fallen natural man will be seen: They are greedy, disrespectful and unthankful, etc. Galatians 5:19-21 describes the nature of the unredeemed who are ruled by the flesh and entirely self-serving motives.

RELIGIOUS / SPIRITUAL

As we approach the end of the church age we see departure from the Biblical faith. People will seek a religious mode that appeals to their own interests. Secularism and worldliness will invade churches. Jesus will not be the one way to be saved.

The Antichrist will be revealed with powers of lying wonders. In certain ways he will replicate the authentic Christ. He will be seen as a man of peace, a man of brilliant wisdom and compassion. He will validate his authority with supernatural miracles, (lying) signs and wonders, be raised from the dead (Rev. 13:3) He will bring peace through deception, expression of inclusion and tolerance of all faith.

POLITICAL

We are seeing the reforming of individual nations into a coalition of nations. (Daniel 2) The UN is exerting authority to set aside our constitution and control our laws. There is be a push to make the world a world without borders. Nations are in a struggles to retain their national identity and their sovereignty. The first order in the NEW WORLD ORDER is to outlaw borders and boundaries between nations. The revived Roman Empire will re-form into United Europe and a center that will be the ruling seat of the Antichrist.

TECHNOLOGY

The twentieth century has seen the transition from horse and buggy to rockets to the moon. Daniel the prophet said Daniel 12:4 -"But you, Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book until the time of the end; many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall increase."
New technology: Artificial intelligence, is now able to recreate images that are entirely artificial; A I it has just been announced can write and edit without the aid of human oversight. Genetic engineering, designer dna splicing, organ growth in non humans

CERN Atom accelerator has as its goal to replicate material in the atom when the universe was formed. It will provide a portal between the spiritual dimension and the physical.
ISRAEL

Rebirth of Israel, prophesied Ezekiel 37

Isaiah 43:5-7 _ Jeremiah 23:7-8 "- 7 "Therefore, behold, the days are coming," says the Lord, "that they shall no longer say, "As the Lord lives who brought up the children of Israel from the land of Egypt, 8 but, "As the Lord lives who brought up and led the descendants of the house of Israel from the north country and from all the countries where I had driven them." And they shall dwell in their own land."

The Ezekiel 38 War with alliance of neighboring Islamic countries and Russia.

Armageddon: The final war in Israel where nations face the Returning Messiah Rev. 16:16 The tribulation temple: Is ready to be assembled, All priestly garb and instruments are ready to use.

THE END TIMES AS MENTIONED PROPHETICALLY
By Paul The Apostle

PROPHETIC END TIMES ARE FORETOLD IN THE BIBLE
Spiritual conditions at the end of the Age and its implications for believers (See 2 Timothy Chapter 3)

Matters to consider:

1. What Jesus told us regarding the latter days;

2. Deception, deceivers and demonic practices are in evidence;

3. Condition of the church;

4. Are believing Christians exercising diligence?

5. Apostasy in Christian churches; "Seeker-friendly" churches and "easy-believism".

6. Growing evidence of the politics of the NWO (New World Order) the One-World government, and economic system;
7. The false gospel of the Anti Christ, A one-world religion, A left leaning Jesuit pope.

Matthew 24:4,5: 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ," and will deceive many.

Matthew 24:37,8: 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38  For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, (The "thief in the night" parable indicates that a sense of routine and normality will continue to dominate the minds of most people. Then, the sudden return of Christ for his bride will catch many unaware.)

Luke 17: 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. Judgment and destruction followed a society given to depravity and rebellion.

(2) What the apostles had to say about steering clear of deception:

2 Timothy 3:2-5: ** But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2) For men (people) will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

2 Timothy 4:3: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; (weak on admonition)

2 Thess 2: 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, "� (Few teach on this passage, this is the reason the Lord"�s prayer has the phrase, "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from (the) evil (evil one).

(3) The departure from sound Biblical doctrine; A wayward church, misdirection from the pulpit:

The church from the very beginning had to deal with error of doctrine and false teachers. This is every bit as true today. Any and all of these misguided doctrines hinge on the principal issue of "�the right Jesus, the right gospel (doctrine) and the right spirit. (2Cor 11:2). Here is the admonition of the apostles on the matter:

PAUL, Galatians: 1:7-9: but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. Mainline churches are rapidly departing from the strictures of the gospel. The trend is Grace alone without attending to future judgment. This lends itself to another issue, that of tossing away the principle of scriptural inerrancy. (Did God really say?)

PAPAUL, 1 Thess: 5: 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things;  hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

PAUL, 1 Timothy 4:1 [The Great Apostasy] Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ...

JUDE: Jude 3: 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

(4) Are believers acting with due diligence or taking every word from our preachers and teachers as valid?

LUKE, Acts:17:11 "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

JOHN, 1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

PAUL, 1 Corinthians 12:1 12 Now I want to give you some further information in some spiritual matters. 2-3 You have not forgotten that you were Gentiles, following dumb idols just as you had been taught. (J.D. Phillips translation) Here the Greek word translated Spiritual Gifts is pnuematicos. It means Spiritual Matters or all matters relating to the Spirit-led life.

(5) 5. Apostasy in Christian churches; We have already progressed into the apostasy of the Tribulation religion.

There is still a remnant of congregations where preaching biblically faithful, and not submitted to false teachers who are making merchandise of their congregations and promising spirituality outside of the guidelines of the original apostolic fundamentals. There are several end time scenarios that main line denominations are teaching. The differences pertain to the future of God's kingdom on earth. Is there are future Kingdom? What does or will it look like? What has become or will become of Israel and the Jews? Will the church go through the tribulation to survive or thrive? Is there "one way to God the Father or numerous ways? Will all the religions unite having hope of fulfilling their understanding that "we are all God's children? Each question above is dealt with by leading Christian leaders and theologians.

Important questions that must be resolved to prove if we are on the right page biblically:

• Is the Bible fable and fallacy or a reliable guide to understand humanities fall and redemption?

• What is the Gospel of Salvation?

• What must we do to be saved?

• Can church ordinances and sacraments save us?

• What is God's purpose and plan for Israel?

• What is the consequence of ignoring the Biblical mandate?

• What is the gift of God?

• What happened at the Cross when Jesus was crucified?

• What is the church?

• Where do we fit in to the structure and function of the church?

6. The politics of the One World government and economic system

Prophecy is being fulfilled as we see the policies and agendas of the United Nations try to erode the sovereignty of individual nations. The UN has had a plan in place for decades (Agenda 21) to make America part of a world without borders. The hidden ruling powers of the One World Government are in place. The Globalists are doing their best to destroy national sovereignty, remove borders, drastically reduce world population, and have the central ruling global elite make decisions that will make every individual answerable to them.

This explains the actions of the NWO, globalist-leaning congress of the United States. They have done all that is possible to block the nationalistic pro constitutional agenda to keep America sovereign. One-worlders have tried to unseat an elected president. This president is hanging onto the constitution of an America "of and by the people" and the dream of a strong and secure America. To block this effort the president has been besieged and maligned 24 hours a day by an open border one-world aiming congress and a complicit, bought-off main-stream media. News has become disinformation and propaganda. Multitudes fall in line with the mainline news narrative that is repeated around the clock. A greater part of the population does not question what the media presents as "news."

Christians should be alert and question everything, but most do not question. Spiritual delusion has turned good into evil and presents evil as good. (Anyone may check out Agenda 21, formulated in 1992 by the UN. Its purpose is to guide the planet in a sustainable future. This proposal among others is proposed to remove national sovereignty, personal rights and freedoms and the ownership of property or land.) Please take time to look into "agenda 21."

7. The false gospel of the Anti Christ, One World religion.:

N A R (New Apostolic Reformation):
Chris-Lam; Amillenialism; Emergent Christianity; 7 Mountain teachings; Dominion Theology;
Pope Francis, is a proponent of leftist policies; man-made global warming; Pro LGBTQ (politicized gender issues.) The pope also is also promoting a large tent world religion, encompassing all religions into one.

Index to all Charles Pinkney Christian Titles

Frank Viola Interviews a typical church-goer

(Discussion of Open Church)

MILE MARKERS ON THE ROAD TO APOSTASY
Departure From Biblical Faith

CHRISTIANITY IS PROGRESSING TOWARD THE FINAL ONE " WORLD, ANTICHRIST RELIGION

Christian churches are dramatically departing from biblical authority. The traditional church denominations in the interest of accommodating cultural changes are progressing toward the final GREAT apostasy of the Christian religion as they. Paul even in first days of his ministry instructed the young churches as he foresaw the days we are living in today. In his letters to Timothy we are told in 1 Timothy 4:1 and 2 Timothy 3:1; Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; 4 And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. (Christian Leaders , pastors and teachers will be responsible for this.)

2 Timothy 3,1; But know this, that in the last days grievous times shall come.  2Ti 3:2  For men shall be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, haughty, railers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  2Ti 3:3  without natural affection, implacable, slanderers, without self-control, fierce, no lovers of good,  2Ti 3:4  traitors, headstrong, puffed up, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God;  2Ti 3:5  holding a form of godliness, but having denied the power thereof: from these also turn away. 
With this in view there remains a remnant of congregations where preaching remains biblically faithful, who have not submitted to false teachers who make merchandise of their congregations, and promise spirituality outside of the guidelines of the original apostolic doctrines. There are several end time scenarios that main line denominations are teaching. The differences pertain to the future of God"s kingdom on earth.
Is there are future Kingdom?
What does or will it look like?
What will become of Israel and the Jews?
Will the church go through the tribulation?
Is there "one way" to God the Father or many?
Will all the religions unite with their understanding that "we are all God's children"?
Each question above is dealt with by leading Christian leaders and theologians.

WHAT DID THE APOSTLES SAY WAS THE DUTY OF EVERY DISCIPLE?

Prove all things.
1 Thess. 5:21  Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (The Bereans examined the message against the Scriptures.)
Test every spirit.
1 John 4:1 Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.
Flee from unbiblical, apostate leadership.
1 Timothy 6:11.. But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow  after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Contend for the Faith that was presented by Christ's first apostles.
Jude vs.3:  Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.

SIGN POSTS THAT POINT TO A DEPARTURE FROM THE FAITH

1. Departure from the idea of Scriptural Inerrancy
   

2. The belief in tolerance and de-emphasis on the doctrine of "Judgment"
   

3. Universalism; we of every religion are all are God"s children and all will be saved
   

4. A broad road rather than a narrow road to salvation, we are all worthy of a heavenly reward.
   

5. Emergent Christianity, New Age, Leaders include, Henry Nouwen, Eckhart Tolle, Brian McClaren, Tony Jones, Oprah Winfrey, Pope Francis (Big tent Christianity, the pope states that we all worship the same God and can fellowship with one another, Muslim, Catholic, Protestant) Chrislam, Rick Warren. To some degree or another they all depart from scripture seeking spirituality from various sources.
   

6. Dominion Theology and Kingdom Now theology; 7 Mountains to regain by "the church." The seven mountains include the mountains of global society; Media, Government, Education, Economy, Religion, Entertainment and Family. The church should conquer these areas of influence, this the key to taking the world for the kingdom of God. 
   

7. The N. A. R. Super apostles and prophetic leadership. This is the super-spiritual arm of the Charismatic, Pentecostal church. It is characterized by its teachings on signs and wonders, "greater works", glorious manifested powers of the spirit. It is a growing movement in which there is an emphasis on signs of God"s presence and manifested glory. Dreams and visions involve visits to heaven, visits with Jesus and the Father, Interviews and directives from angels. And .. extra biblical revelations that go beyond the teachings of the first apostles. Note that worship tends to point to "me messages."
   

8. The Antichrist church will be super-spiritual with the ability to display lying signs and wonders to fool if it were, even the elect.!! 2 Thess.2: 9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie: C.P. 2-15-2024

PROPHETIC END TIMES
FORETOLD IN THE BIBLE

Spiritual conditions at the end of the Age and its implications for believers (See 2 Timothy Chapter 3)

Matters to consider:

1. What Jesus told us regarding the latter days;
2. Deception, deceivers and demonic practices are in evidence;

3. Condition of the church;

4. Are believing Christians exercising diligence?

5. Apostasy in Christian churches; "Seeker-friendly" churches and "easy-
believism" and denying judgment and hell.

6. Growing evidence of the politics of the NWO (New World Order) the One-World government, and economic system;
7. The false gospel of the Anti Christ, A one-world religion, A left leaning Jesuit pope.

(1) What Jesus told us regarding the latter days:

Matthew 24:4,5: 4 And Jesus answered and said to them: "Take heed that no one deceives you. 5 For many will come in My name, saying, "I am the Christ (the Messiah)" and will deceive many.

Matthew 24:37,8: 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also will the coming of the Son of Man be. 38  For as in the days before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, (The "thief in the night" parable indicates that a sense of routine and normality will continue to dominate the minds of most people. Then, the sudden return of Christ for his bride will catch many unaware).

Luke 17: 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: They ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; 29 but on the day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 Even so will it be in the day when the Son of Man is revealed. Gen. 19:22 reveals the pattern that the righteous must be taken to a place of refuge before judgment ensues. Judgment and destruction followed a society given to depravity and rebellion.

(2) What the apostles had to say about steering clear of deception:

2 Timothy 3:2-5: ** But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2) For men (people) will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3) unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4) traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5) having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!

2 Timothy 4:3: For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; (weak on admonition)

2 Thess 2: 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, "� (Few teach on this passage, this is the reason the Lord"�s prayer has the phrase, "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from (the) evil (evil one).

(3) The departure from sound Biblical doctrine; Apostasy; A wayward church, misdirection from the pulpit:

The church from the very beginning had to deal with error of doctrine and false teachers. This is every bit as true today. Any and all of these misguided doctrines hinge on the principal issue of "�the right Jesus, the right gospel (doctrine) and the right spirit. (2Cor 11:2). Here is the admonition of the apostles on the matter:

PAUL, Galatians: 1:7-9: but there are some who trouble you and want to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. Mainline churches are rapidly departing from the strictures of the gospel. The trend is Grace alone without attending to future judgment. This lends itself to another issue, that of tossing away the principle of scriptural inerrancy. (Did God really say?)

PAUL, 1 Thess: 5: 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things;  hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

PAUL, 1 Timothy 4:1 [The Great Apostasy] Now the Spirit expressly says that in latter times some will depart from the faith, giving heed to deceiving spirits and doctrines of demons, ...

JUDE: Jude 3: 3 Beloved, while I was very diligent to write to you concerning our common salvation, I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints. 4 For certain men have crept in unnoticed, who long ago were marked out for this condemnation, ungodly men, who turn the grace of our God into lewdness and deny the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ.

(4) Are believers acting with due diligence or do they take every word from preachers and teachers as valid?

LUKE, Acts:17:11 "Now the Bereans were of more noble character than the Thessalonians, for they received the message with great eagerness and examined the Scriptures every day to see if what Paul said was true."

JOHN, 1 John 4:1: Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

PAUL, 1 Corinthians 12:1 12 Now I want to give you some further information in some spiritual matters. 2-3 You have not forgotten that you were Gentiles, following dumb idols just as you had been taught. (J.D. Phillips translation) Here the Greek word translated Spiritual Gifts is pnuematicos. It means Spiritual Matters or all matters relating to the Spirit-led life.

(5) Apostasy in Christian churches; We have already progressed into the apostasy of the Tribulation religion.

There is still a remnant of congregations where preaching biblically faithful, and not submitted to false teachers who are making merchandise of their congregations and promising spirituality outside of the guidelines of the original apostolic fundamentals. There are several end time scenarios that main line denominations are teaching. The differences pertain to the future of God's kingdom on earth. Is there are future Kingdom? What does or will it look like? What has become or will become of Israel and the Jews? Will the church go through the tribulation to survive or thrive? Is there "one way to God the Father or numerous ways? Will all the religions unite having hope of fulfilling their understanding that "we are all God's children? Each question above is dealt with by leading Christian leaders and theologians.

Important questions that must be resolved to prove if we are on the right page biblically:

• Is the Bible fable and fallacy or a reliable guide to understand humanities fall and redemption?

• What is the Gospel of Salvation?

• What must we do to be saved?

• Can church ordinances and sacraments save us?

• What is God's purpose and plan for Israel?

• What is the consequence of ignoring the Biblical mandate?

• What is the gift of God?

• What happened at the Cross when Jesus was crucified?

• What is the church?

• Where do we fit in to the structure and function of the church?

6. The politics of the One World government and economic system

Prophecy is being fulfilled as we see the policies and agendas of the United Nations try to erode the sovereignty of individual nations. The UN has had a plan in place for decades (Agenda 21) to make America part of a world without borders. The hidden ruling powers of the One World Government are in place. The Globalists are doing their best to destroy national sovereignty, remove borders, drastically reduce world population, and have the central ruling global elite make decisions that will make every individual answerable to them.

This explains the actions of the NWO, globalist-leaning congress of the United States. They have done all that is possible to block the nationalistic pro constitutional agenda to keep America sovereign. One worlders have tried to unseat an elected president. This president is hanging onto the constitution of an America "of and by the people" and the dream of a strong and secure America. To block this effort the presidentt has been besieged and maligned 24 hours a day by an open border one-world aiming congress and a complicit, bought-off main-stream media. News has become disinformation and propaganda. Multitudes fall in line with the mainline news narrative that is repeated around the clock. A greater part of the population does not question what the media presents as "news."

Christians should be alert and question everything, but most do not question. Spiritual delusion has turned good into evil and presents evil as good. (Anyone may check out Agenda 21, formulated in 1992 by the UN. Its purpose is to guide the planet in a sustainable future. This proposal among others is proposed to remove national sovereignty, personal rights and freedoms and the ownership of property or land.) Please take time to look into "agenda 21."

7. The false gospel of the Anti Christ, One World religion.:

N A R; Chris-Lam; Amillenialism; Emergent Christianity; 7 Mountain teachings; Dominion Theology;

The current Pope Francis, is a proponent of leftist policies; man-made global warming; Pro LGBTQ (politicized gender issues.) The pope also is also promoting a large tent world religion, encompassing all religions into one.

CONSIDERING THE NATURE OF THE ANTI CHRIST RELIGION:

2Th 2:8 And then shall that Wicked (person) be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: 2Th 2:9 Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 2 Th 2:10 And with all deception of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 2Th 2:11 And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:"

• The Antichrist religion will be a supernatural religion with supernatural wonders; but these are lying signs and wonders wrought by Satan.

• The Antichrist religion will be a universal religion. It will be inclusive to all the religions of the world. It will be a truly ecumenical religion.

• The Antichrist religion will be an inclusive religion, open to all life styles.

• People will be flattered into believing that they are among those who are advanced spiritually and about to evolve into God-likeness.

• Extra-Terrestrials will at last openly manifest. They will announce the news of earth's inclusion into the community of advanced universal civilizations. It will be stated that these "star people" have been secretly visiting the planet for many years and at will finally make their existence and mission known openly. The mystery of so-called space beings will be revealed as the progenitors of humanity. One of the greatest lies will be revealed by these "star people." It will be said those who resisted the next advance of evolution have been taken away. The backward non spiritual people (born again Christians) have been taken to a place where they can grow and evolve in the proper understanding.

"END TIME" THEOLOGY OFFERS DIFFERING EXPECTATIONS OF THE FUTURE (Eschatological doctrines)

AMILLENIAL THEOLOGY holds that the "Kingdom Of God" on earth began with the ascension of Christ and will go on, more or less, in its present form until Christ returns. Those holding to this doctrine do not expect a literal reign of Christ on earth. Furthermore, most Amillenialists hold the view that the Jews have no future prophetic role or unique status.
Amillennial doctrine;  many mainline denominations include: Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, Roman Catholic Church, Lutheran, Reformed, Anglican, Methodist, Amish, Old Order Mennonite, Conservative Mennonites, Churches of Christ, Christian Church/Disciples of Christ, Christian churches and churches of Christ, Association of Grace Baptist Churches in England.

DOMINIONISTS (KINGDOM NOW THEOLOGY) This theology holds to the idea that the 'church' has been given the mandate of bringing the Gospel to the nations and entirely restore the DOMINION that Adam forfeited. The 5 fold ministry and inspired Apostolic leadership will restore the nations in righteousness. Societal institutions will be brought back to the righteous rule of Christ. The following are in the Kingdom and Dominion camp.

• N A R, New Apostolic Reformation and its associated ministries (Bill Johnson), Bethel Church, Redding CA; also the following:

• Hillsong mega church (Brian Huston) of Sidney, NSW Australia;

• IHOP Kansas City, International House of Prayer and the Kansas City Prophets (Kingdom "Forerunners)

• 7 Mountains movement (Lance Walnau Dr. Bill Hamon, Dr. Bill Bright and Loren Cunningham and others)The notion is to restore and bring under submission to Christ 7 domains of social institutions: 1) Education; 2) Religion; 3) Family; 4) Business; 5) Government/Military, 6) Arts/Entertainment; 7) Media

• Morning Star Ministries, Rick Joyner of Fort Mills, SC

• Vineyard Ministries International: The Vineyard is growing around the world, with over 2,500 churches in six continents.

• Calvinist Reconstructionists also have a view to bring in God"s Kingdom through the church.

Dominion Theology is a top down authoritarian expression of Christianity. On the topmost level of the order is the anointed Apostle, Then the prophets and descending down to the local leadership. The base of the pyramid is the supporting Laity who serve to support those who are in the higher order. This has always been the structure of the Roman church which is a top down authoritarian institution commanding great power over its subjects. This is the very expression of the doctrine of the Nicolaitins spoken of in Revelation 2:6. and described by Jesus in Matthew 23:10-12, also see 3John1:9

THE PRESENT STATUS OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF GOD DENOMINATIONS IS UNCERTAIN

It is my belief, however, that many of the Assembly of God congregations, depending on the training and associations of the leadership, are moving toward the camp of Kingdom Now or Dominionist theology. Evidence that might point to this would be a lack of teaching on the prophetic future of the church (Preaching eschatology). Or preaching that does not clearly reflect unfolding signs of the times or clearly prophetic happenings in the middle east, Israel being God's time clock.

Another possible evidence of the focus on Kingdom restoration in a congregation might be the inclusion of worship forms and music which derive from either The Vineyard, or Jesus Culture music of Redding CA, Bill Johnson"s mega church whose music reflects their non-sensationalist theology.

This will be the last of the studies I will offer whose purpose has been to give some insights into the state of the church at large which approaches a time of trials and transition. I think there should be a healthy curiosity about where we are as Christians that should go beyond the familiar boundaries of church life. It is right to question and challenge what you see and hear using the Bible as our guide that we may rely upon with confidence.

THE DAY OF THE LORD

A Day of Judgment is Coming

Scores of prophetic passages provide descriptions of a time of divine judgment when God will purge the earth of evil and rid the

world of sin. Nearly every prophetic book touches upon this event to some degree. Here is just a sampling from among many that

explain this period called "The Day of The Lord."

As we have discussed previously, there is an ongoing spiritual battle going on around us. It is a battle of spiritual darkness against the light. The population of the earth is under the influence of the Prince of darkness. The children of God have been set free being called out of darkness into the light of God"s Son, the Messiah, Jesus. Those who are "Redeemed" have access to the power of God (grace) on their behalf. By this they may know the truth and walk in newness of life.

Our spiritual battle is one that is occurs in the invisible realm. Among the human ranks there are powerful and influential people who are consciously or unconsciously serving Satan. Their aims in life focus on the pursuit of pleasure, treasure and power.

It has been this way since Adam"s fall and Nimrod"s rebellion. We don"t have to look very far to find evil. Shockingly, there are many in this world who are willing to literally sell their souls to attain fame and power.

God is not ignoring the acts of evil doers who flaunt their lawlessness. Human decadence expresses itself in degradation, violence, murders and the like. God has ordained a time that he will deal with all the proud and depraved. This time of judgment has been described by the prophets of God for thousands of years. This period is called by various names; "that day" the "day of wrath," the "day of judgment," the great and the great and terrible day of the Lord.

Selected O. T. Descriptions of The Day of the Lord

There are dozens of passages that use the term or a similar description:

Isaiah 2:11-The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.

Isaiah 13:6 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. 7 Therefore shall all hands be faint, and every man's heart shall melt: 8 And they shall be afraid: pangs and sorrows shall take hold of them; they shall be in pain as a woman that travaileth: they shall be amazed one at another; their faces shall be as flames. 9 Behold, the day of the LORD cometh, cruel both with wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate: and he shall destroy the sinners thereof out of it. 10 For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine. 11 And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.

Joel 3: 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 The LORD also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the LORD will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.

New Testament References To The Day of The Lord

1Thessalonians 5:2 "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "There is peace and security," then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.  1Th 5:4  But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief." 

2 Peter 3:7: The world that now is awaits destruction by fire.
Despite all the clamor about climate change and its political ramifications, despite the good intentions of the Sierra Club, it appears that man can not alter God"s destined course of nature, nor the things foreseen through the eyes of prophecy. Forget the endangered species list, the sad fact is that most all species will face extinction including the human race.

When will the day of the Lord Occur?
Many believe in a prophesied future millennial kingdom following the return of Jesus to earth. This group holds that divine judgment will finalize the "Great Tribulation." This is the second advent. Jesus will return with hosts of his angels. The saints will join this host. The powers of the Antichrist and his followers will be destroyed. His appearing will be as the lightning. "For as the lightning comes out of the east and shines even unto the west; so shall also the coming of the son of man be." (Matt. 24:27)

Will Jesus literally wield a sword and destroy multiple thousands?
Yes! The familiar, gentle Jesus holding a lamb will become the Lord of Sabaoth, the general of the armies of heaven. He will be wearing a garment dripping with blood. (Isaiah 63:2,3) The world"s population has chosen darkness and the lie. (Revelation 19:13-15) The returning Messiah wields a great sword which is the word from his mouth.

The Second Coming is Not the Same as the "Appearing" of Christ

Jesus" appearing (gk.apocolupsis) is the event known as the "Rapture". It is an event that comes without warning as a "thief in the night."(1 Thess. 5:2) The "second coming" will follow a time that is thoroughly delineated by time and events. In the second coming when Jesus sets his feet upon the Mount of Olives and the region splits in two. (Zechariah 14:4) Jesus intervenes to fight for Israel. At His coming he will judge and destroy the evil and establish the kingdom. In the second coming the church of blood bought believers follow Jesus on horses clothed in white.

Surviving The Final Days of The Tribulation.
The tribulation is broken into two 3 ½ year sections. The last 3 ½ is the period of "great tribulation." In the first half the Antichrist will present himself with wisdom and charisma. He will be seen as the savior of a planet in chaos that results from a world-wide crisis of destruction. This destruction may be man-made or a natural calamity or a combination of both. Believers will have escaped (removed by God) just before this calamity. (See Genesis 19:20) Those left behind will witness amazing "lying signs and wonders." It will be explained to those left behind why the "Christians" were removed. There will be a disclosure of beings who will present themselves as space brothers from another world. They will claim they were the seed source of the human race and that the earth is now ready to go forward toward its glorious evolution to universal wisdom and harmony. Most people who are left behind who have not previously heard of God"s plan will likely be deceived and believe a lie. They will be promised a Utopian paradise and pay the price by losing their souls.

There will be a new universal religion. Some of its manifestation is already beginning to manifest. There will be a one-world economic system, A universal I D (implant) will be required for all to buy and sell and to have necessities to survive. (Revelation 13:17)

The mid point of the 7 year will see the abomination of desolation (Matt. 24:15) in the rebuilt temple In Jerusalem. The Antichrist will declare that he is God and must be worshiped. The final 3 ½ years describe God"s wrath upon the Antichrist and his followers, those who have taken the mark. The day of the Lord concludes with the earth and its population nearly destroyed by a growing onslaught of natural cataclysms followed by the second coming of the Messiah in power and in great glory.

Chapter 7
THE SPOKEN WORD
The Bible Teaches the Importance of the Words We Speak

SCRIPTURAL TEACHING ON THE POWER OF WORDS

In the day of judgment we must give account of every word; careless words, unguarded and foolish words.
"And I say unto you, that every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." Matthew 12:36

The mature and righteous person should aspire to speak words that reflect faith and the pure oracle of scripture.

The Word of Faith and hyper-faith movement teaches that we can have whatever we say. This has led to the notion that we can create and control the outcomes of every need and situation. It also allows that wellness and prosperity are a certainty that is produced by the creativity of speaking things that are not as though they were. This has often brought frustration and condemnation in its wake when our confessions are not manifested. The "name it and claim it" belief as it is called, is a distortion that tends to focus our faith upon our faith and not to the will of the Lord, who is the "Author and Finisher" of our faith.

The principle of speaking the word as promises of Scriptures remains and guides life and godliness. The promises of God are to be trusted and stood upon in the face of every occasion in life. We believe and therefore we speak. The things that transpire are in the plan of the Savior for his purposes and for his glory. We can not circumvent the greater plan of God.

We are given understanding of the deep and hidden things of God in the light of Jeshua (Jesus.) We grow in understanding line by line and precept upon precept. Jesus, as revealed by the apostle John, is the Word of God who manifested in human flesh. This is itself a great mystery. When the Scripture at last is fully known, it will reveal Jesus as He truly is. Revelation of the mysteries of God's kingdom is progressive and deepening as His truth is being revealed by God's Holy Spirit.  

SPOKEN WORDS:
WORDS ARE SPOKEN TO ESTABLISH COVENANT

FAITH FILLED WORDS BEAR HEAVENLY RESULTS 

(click on the links below go to a particular topic: )

A COVENANT IS FORGED IN WORDS

THE MOUTH EXPRESSES WHAT WE HAVE FED OUR SPIRIT

JESUS SPOKE AS HE YIELDED TO THE SPIRIT

BOOK OF PROVERBS FILLED WITH REFERENCES TO SPOKEN WORDS

THE TONGUE, IS A SECRET POWER FOR GOOD AND EVIL

THE TONGUE HAS THE POWER TO GUIDE OUR LIVES

A PRAYER TO CONTROL THINKING AND SPEAKING

MISAPPLICATIONS of SPEAKING IN FAITH

The doctrine of the spoken word is revealed as a key concept of Biblical wisdom. It is expressed from Job to David, to Solomon's Proverbs, and is restated by the Lord Jesus and his apostles. The impact of the words we speak, not only reflect an individual's character but engage deeper spiritual things. While we who believe are being transformed into the image and characteristics of the Lord Jesus we should take on his attributes.  We know that the spoken word has an impact of authority in this world. This world is the domain of spiritual forces both for good or evil, who react to our words of faith. The unholy spiritual powers in heavenly places are equally mindful of our words. Our spoken words must be consistent to establish our identity as a redeemed soul. The "double minded person" (James 1:8 and 4:8) has not yet gained mastery over negative words that can affect their daily lives and relationships. The words of the double minded vary as the wind. Their speech may range from positive expressions that are faith-filled to ungodly utterances and negative or profane words that are contrary to what God says about our identity in Him. We know that our spiritual enemy, Lucifer, is the father of lies and deceit. He desires that anyone speak words of UNBELIEF not affirming the knowledge of truth. There is no deceit or variability of any kind in the almighty.

Words of faith should echo the promises of God. God's promises overshadow and supersede the apparent realities of this world, though reason and observation may argue contrariwise. The spiritual impact  of words which come from our own mouths is a sadly neglected area of knowledge. Words affirm and regulate our spiritual well being and grow our faith. The unredeemed person has "misused his tongue" all of his life. They regularly speaks words that are lies or that brutalize others, even members of their own family. The new birth brings the power of the Holy Spirit by whom we begin to get the tongue back under control and working for our soul's betterment. It may be necessary to undo the accumulated seeds of negativity that we planted with words of unbelief or profanity. This usually occurs as we come to God for repentance from years of profanity uttered in ignorance. The "new man" has a heavenly priest who can be petitioned to help to remove the seeds of evil words that they no longer bear fruit thereafter.

I am convinced that there are many Christians who are unaware of any kind of spiritual consequences to that words that come out of their mouths. Of course there are social and emotional consequences as people react to the words of others. Scripture is filled with reference to words, the tongue and speaking. Speaking is the source of both blessing and cursing. There can be neither a blessing nor a curse if it were not for the fact that words have power of a spiritual kind. The patriarchs of the Old Covenant spoke blessings to their children, these blessings carried power and were tied inextricably to the future and destiny of those receiving it.  In the book of Proverbs alone there are more than forty verses that describe the power of words or the tongue. I will share several of the more important ones in just a moment. Why are words powerful? Why are words Spiritual? Why do our words guide our lives and our potentiality to walk in Faith? I will share some of my thoughts and insights which I believe to be supported by Scripture.

God has spoken things into being.  Jesus is the "Word of God" that was spoken and that abides forever. Those things spoken by the Lord will all come to pass. While we are created after His image and likeness, we are not with our words able to create realities separate from God's purpose and creation. We can by words affirm our belief and faith in His divine promises as a faithful adopted son or daughter. Those who teach that we are co-equal to God the creator are expressing a doctrine which moves close to  occult, demonic practices.

Jesus said, "the words that I speak are Spirit and they are life." Jesus taught many things about words, including the fact that we will hear the words we have spoken preserved eternally and give account for them in the judgment. We're taught to let our yes's be "yes" and our no's simply "no" as anything else touches on sin. Jesus also taught that words mark our spiritual treasure house: When we speak we give evidence to the stuff which we have within us (our hearts.) Luke 6:45 an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. In other words, our words reflect our thought and values held in life.

James, the half-brother of Christ and an apostle, gives a lengthy dissertation on the power of the tongue to do good and evil, he says that though the tongue is small it has the power to rule and guide our lives even as a ship is guided by a rudder. James also advises that one well should not bring out two kinds of water, poisoned and sweet.

Solomon, who is called the wisest man, included more than 35 proverbs dealing with the power of words. It is clear that words have a large part to control not only our faith but our life of prayer. Have you wondered about silent prayer versus spoken prayer. This is a very important understanding that is not taught enough in the church. The words we speak have the power to change life and circumstances; the words we think are merely meditations. Yes, God speaks to us in the meditations of our heart; and yes, God hears the meditations of our thoughts. Scripture tells us that God knows our hearts and our thoughts. It also teaches that thoughts are not sin, but when our thoughts become words and actions based upon evil thoughts, this constitutes sin. (Jesus was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.) This means that he had thoughts which were like ours, temptations which are like ours, but he did not give place to these but cast them down. In his worst temptations Jesus actually addressed Satan, "Get thee behind me Satan!" or, "It is written, you shall not put the Lord thy God to the test!" Spoken word brought the power of God into action against these circumstances.

We see in the gospels how Jesus ministered by speaking words. Now we do not see many people in churches speaking words like Jesus did.

I wonder why? Paul said, "Imitate me as I imitate Christ." This means we should pray and speak like Jesus. How did Jesus minister? Jesus spoke to diseases. He spoke to demons afflicting many people. He spoke to the fig tree and it responded; he spoke to the wind and it responded. Jesus by speaking took direct authority over the condition or situation. Jesus did not ask God to fix things for him he himself took action with the Words and the authority which the Father had given him. Jesus obviously prayed in a different way that you and I have learned to pray. Jesus heard and saw in prayer, he ministered with words and with authority. Words spoken in the world have power to minister good. Salvation comes to a believer by speaking aloud from the belief of the his heart. John 12:50 - - And I know that his commandment is life everlasting: whatsoever I speak therefore, even as the Father said unto me, so I speak. John 5:19: So Jesus answered them, "I tell you the solemn truth, the Son can do nothing on his own initiative, but only what he sees the Father doing. For whatever the Father does, the Son does likewise.

MISAPPLICATIONS OF WORDS SPOKEN IN FAITH

DOMINION THEOLOGY, LITTLE GOD THEOLOGY,

     While the notion of speaking the Word and agreement with the Word is clearly an application of a life of faith, it is clear that some in the Word of Faith movement have followed a path that is not biblical. We can not create something out of nothing as God, the creator, originally formed all things that are in existence. We can not force God to fetch and perform any way we want. God remains in control and his will will control the ultimate outcome. The heart of man is desperately wicked and to give us full authority to fulfil the lusts of the flesh and to have things our way would be to give a believer "over to witchcraft." The realm of the occult can produce some manifested outcomes by the use of creative visualization and declarations but this kind of action gives the activity over to the realm of the adversary. 
 

A COVENANT IS FORGED IN WORDS SPOKEN ALOUD: 
 WORDS INDICATE ASSENT TO THE COVENANT.

Jesus prayers were spoken aloud and
brought with them an expectation and resulting fulfilment.

"And he said, Now also let it be according unto your words: he with whom it is found shall be my servant; and ye shall be blameless." -- Gen 44:10

GOD SETS FORTH THE COVENANT;
WE ACCEPT AND AGREE TO THE TERMS OF HIS COVENANT

"And she said, According unto your words, so be it. And she sent them away, and they departed: and she bound the scarlet line in the window." -- Josh 2:21

THE MOUTH EXPRESSES WHAT WE HAVE FED OUR SPIRIT IN OUR MEDITATIONS

"O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks." "A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things." "But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." (Matthew 12:34-36)
 

JESUS EXPLAINS HOW WORDS ARE SPIRIT: BUT THE SPIRIT MUST BE THE LIFE OF GOD'S SPIRIT NOT SATAN'S SPIRIT (A SPIRIT OF DESTRUCTION)
     "It is the spirit that quickened; the flesh profits nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life." -- John 6:63

JESUS SPOKE AS HE SUBMITTED TO GOD'S VOICE WITHIN

Below you will find some of the dozens of Scriptures which address words, lips
or the tongue of speech. This is ancient and foundational wisdom.

"Believe thou not that I am in the Father, and the Father in me? the words that I speak unto you I speak not of myself: but the Father that dwells in me, he dos the works." (-- John 14:10)

The Book of Proverbs Is Filled with references to
"WORDS", "LIPS", and "TONGUE"

"A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth: but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence."
(-- Proverbs 13:2 )

"He that keeps his mouth keeps his life: but he that opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (-- Proverbs 13:3 )

"Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof." (-- Proverbs 18:21)

"The tongue of the just is as choice silver: the heart of the wicked is little worth." (-- Proverbs 10:20 )

"The tongue of the wise uses knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness." (-- Proverbs 15:2 )

"He that hides hatred with lying lips, and he that utters a slander, is a fool." (-- Proverbs 10:18 )

"For my mouth shall speak truth; and wickedness is an abomination to my lips." (-- Proverbs 8:7")

"All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing forward or perverse in them." (-- Proverbs 8:8)

"In the multitude of words there wanted not sin: but he that refrained his lips is wise." (-- Proverbs 10:19 ) 

THE TONGUE IS POWER FOR GOOD AND EVIL

"For thy mouth speaks thine iniquity, and you choose the tongue of the crafty." ( -- Job 15:5 )

"Thine own mouth condemns thee, and not I: yea, thine own lips testify against thee."(-- Job 15:6)

JUDGMENT (PUNISHMENT)
INCLUDES CONSEQUENCES OF THE USE OF WORDS

"The LORD shall cut off all flattering lips, and the tongue that speaks proud things:" (-- Psalms 12:3)

UNDERSTANDING IS A GIFT OF THE LORD

"The Lord GOD hath given me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him that is weary: he wakens morning by morning, he wakens mine ear to hear as the learned." (-- Isaiah 50:4)
 

THE TONGUE HAS THE POWER TO GUIDE OUR LIVES:

THE SPIRITUAL LIFE OF FAITH DIRECTLY CONNECTS TO FAITH WORDS, OR NEGATIVELY BY OTHER NON FAITH WORDS, UNBELIEF, FOOLISH JESTING, HURTFUL WORDS, A TONGUE YIELDED TO SATAN, CURSING - ETC.

"Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!" ( -- James 3:5) "And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and setts on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell." ( -- James 3:6 )

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison." ( -- James 3:8)

"Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God." ( -- James 3:9)"Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?" ( -- James 3:11)

WORDS SPOKEN IN THE WORLD (EARTH) ARE SEEDS PLANTED IN THE EARTH:THEY SPRING FORTH TO BEAR THEIR FRUITEACH ACCORDING TO ITS KIND. (Genesis 1) IN THE EARTH

"Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth." ( -- Deuteronomy 32:1)

The sower, sows the word. ( -- Mark 4:14)

And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after itself, and the tree yielding fruit after itself, whose seed was in itself, after his kind (-- Genesis 1:12)

A PRAYER TO CONTROL THINKING AND SPEAKING

"Let the words of my mouth, and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in thy sight, O LORD, my strength, and my redeemer." (-- Psalms 19:14 ) "Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to the words of my mouth." (-- Psalms 54:2)

THE SPOKEN WORD IS THE ACTION OF FAITH THAT BRINGS GODLY REVELATION INTO OUR HEART

"For with the heart man believes unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." ( --Romans 10:10)

DAVID'S PRAYER TO GOD TO GUARD HIS MOUTH

"Set a watch, O LORD, before my mouth; keep the door of my lips." (-- Psalms 141:3)

A final thought. Among Christians I am always disturbed when I hear a brother or sister talking like "the world." The world has its own manner of expression. It is always changing according to the fashion of what is modern slang or tolerance for the profane. Profanity in the present age is rampant by both men and women. Profanity expresses the course-mindedness of the times. Trashy talking, and expressions that are cool are emulated by those who want to express the latest trendy in-talk.

Many have little or no control when it comes to words coming out of there mouth. Some have what can be called verboreah (diarrhea of the mouth). Other indulge in foolish jesting. Satan is the god of this world and he loves to see speech degenerate into coarseness and profane expression.

It was not long ago that certain words were inappropriate, even taboo. Sadly, the days when darn and heck were the norm have past.

Chapter 8  

THE WORLD, THE FLESH, AND THE DEVIL

A BRIEF FORWARD

This is the last addition to my Biblical collection that focuses on biblical precepts. In it I will offer what I believe the Holy Bible reveals about the age-old questions of; "Who are we? Where did we come from and Where are we going? I am fully aware that philosophers, theologians and psychologists have written volumes to answer these questions in a studied, intellectual way.

"How, some may say, can a person without earned formal degrees, without religious credentials, robes of vestiture, or any emblems of authority, understand God"s secret things?" The answer is the same as that given by the first disciples, "- they took notice that they had been with Jesus." God, in His wisdom decides who He will choose to reveal himself and to speak on His behalf. He then proceeds to prepare them according to their calling.

(1 Corinthians 1:23) But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumbling-block, and unto the Greeks foolishness;

(1 Corinthians 1:24) But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God.

(1 Corinthians 1:25) Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

(1 Corinthians 1:26) For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called:

(1 Corinthians 1:27) But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty;

(1 Corinthians 1:28) And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nothing things that are: (1 Corinthians 1:29) That no flesh should glory in his presence.

Psalm 91 reveals there is a secret place where God hides himself from the scrutiny of the ungodly. "We who dwell in the secret place of the most high, abide under the shadow of the Almighty." The chosen have discovered this secret place. In another place Paul writes: "We see through a glass darkly. 1Corinthians 13:12  For now we see in a mirror, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know fully even as also I was fully known." Again, the apostle Paul reminds us that God"s ways and abode are hidden and secret.

Those who He calls he justifies or redeems. This action provides that we who are of His Body may participate in His Divine Nature. We are granted this provision by the power of a supernatural benefactor. It is not gained by human intention or effort.

The Called Out People of God (The Ekklesia)

Who does God call? The noble, strong, crafty, wise and rich or important persons in the eyes of the world are mostly passed over. Why? Because there is a strong tendency that such are equipped enough to be self satisfied and seek nothing more to find fulfillment.

The eyes of our understanding must be opened before the ways of God can be discerned. The veil of blindness must be removed. The provision of the new birth was given first to disciples who were followers of The Way of Yeshua, Jesus the Messiah. The outpouring of supernatural grace happened at Pentecost fifty days following Christ"s resurrection. From that day and immediately following, God"s rich, provision of power and grace was lavished upon each believer.

(Acts 4:32) "And the multitude of them that believed were of one heart and of one soul: neither said any of them that ought of the things which he possessed was his own; but they had all things common. (Acts 4:33) And with great power gave the apostles witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus: and great grace was upon them all."

There are a few key concepts that unlock the present nature of humanity and the state of the planet upon which we dwell. I believe that most legacy church denominations have failed to understand and teach these concepts entirely right.

The Prince of This Fallen World

This world has for six thousand years been under the spiritual control of a Spiritual ruler. He is not a human entity but is in fact the head of a fallen host of angelic beings. Humankind and the earth itself exists in a fallen state under the control of these spiritual powers. (Here is where we lose the hard scientists and atheists.) While the millennia of our primordial past is largely hidden to religious scholars who argue the creation of the world in
Six Literal days. There is a sufficient evidence I believe, to address a re-creation of a disturbed, chaotic world that now approaches the end of six prophetic millennia since "The Fall." Yes, we are speaking of the Book of Genesis and the story of Eden. Six millennia according to prophetic measure is that one day equals 1000 years.

(See John 4:40-43 .. Jesus in Samaria) and (2 Peter 3:8 But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.)

Following is an online graphic that I have drawn to illustrate the fallen world and the world after its redemption and renewal. Here is a link to that page from a previous discussions on that matter. https://friendlyarts.net/Book_Titles/3-mystery_Captives_of_the-World.htm#graphic-the%20fallen%20world

Since the fall, the world"s earth-dwelling humanity have lived under the spiritual control and disillusionment of the God of this world and the rulers of spiritual wickedness in heavenly places. This is the source of humanity"s self delusion. We were born blind to our spiritual deficiencies. We are living in a bubble of sorts where the things we regard as real are only a shadow of reality.

I believe that few, very few effort come to realize that fact. The "Spirit of Truth" must reveal it.

We are blind to the truth! Every human is trapped in a matrix like delusion! Only a touch of Christ Jesus Holy Spirit power can remove our spiritual blinders and shackles.

The power and influence of the World, the flesh and the Devil are incessantly at work to force their nefarious influence upon every human life. The many contrived religious systems may intend to offer peace and righteousness. These religions, however, in an attempt to penetrate the veil of darkness, unwittingly only serve to enhance it.

THE WORLD

"The world is so full of a number of things,
I'm sure we should all be as happy as kings,"

The above lighthearted quotation by the writer Robert Louis Stevenson expresses the innocent idea that the natural world is filled with an abundance of wonders and curiosities that anyone, adult or child, may discover and ponder. I can not disagree.

Children are filled with curiosity as they discover the world for the first time, after all that is what growing up is about. As we become educated or "taught" we exchange wonder and curiosity for the assurance of a mature intellect where facts are cemented and curiosity takes a back seat. Science and established paradigms are what guide our lives. At a certain point our minds are made up concerning worldly matters and not very open to change.

Influencers

Today nothing in the world is more obvious in shaping our thoughts and opinions than the mass media. It is, for most, an incessant blaring barrage of news, advertising, noise, entertainment, or simply distraction. Radio, TV, Internet and social media has a power to inform and forge our opinions. It tells us how to think, what to think and what not to think. The modern electronic media influence teaches us how to talk and think! It fuels what we put in our heads; who to exalt as idols; what"s "in," current, and fashionable, or not. It shapes social norms and popular opinion. It parades before us those who are the current super stars, the whose, who of notable celebrities and how they should occupy our world of thought and purposes.

Vanity and pride are the life-beat of the world today. Is the world different today than in ancient times? You will probably answer, "Well, dah! Of course it is different!" But what if we examine the question in the context of what Jesus told his followers. This is what John the apostle recorded:

"John 15:19  If ye were of the world, the world would love its own: but because ye are not of the world, but I chose you out of the

world, therefore the world hates you." "1Jn 2:15  Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the

world, the love of the Father is not in him. 1Jn 2:16  For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the

vainglory of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. 

Why does Jesus use such powerful admonitions that point to a world that contends against his Spirit and against our calling and our purpose in God?

The Bible among many other revelations, gives us an insight into the world. The times, the players, and places may be different but the world"s the spiritual realities remain the same.

Jesus had much to say about the world and the lusts thereof.

(1 John 2:15) Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. (1 John 2:16) For all that is in the world"the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life"is not from the Father but is from the world.

The greatest insights into Christ"s desire for his disciples and their place in the world can be found in John chapter 17. This is an amazing prayer of consecration by Jesus immediately before he went to the cross. The phrase "the world" is found seventeen times in it and bears study.

(John 17:12) While I was with them, I kept them in thy name which thou hast given me: and I guarded them, and not one of them perished, but the son of perdition; that the scripture might be fulfilled. (John 17:13) But now I come to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy made full in themselves.

(John 17:14) I have given them thy word; and the world hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. (John 17:15) I pray not that thou should take them from the world, but that thou should keep them from the evil one.

(John 17:16) They are not of the world even as I am not of the world. (John 17:17) Sanctify them in the truth: thy word is truth.

(John 17:18) As thou didst send me into the world, even so sent I them into the world."

Jesus" entire ministry was focused on undoing a millennia long condition that was wrought upon the whole world. It was planetary and pervasive. It took an eternal plan to be enacted by God to deal with the crisis. The mission of Christ Jesus, the Messiah"s was and remains to "reverse the curse."

(1 John 3:8) he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. (ASV)

From the time of his baptism by John, there was not a moment in his teaching and preaching that he was not completely aware of this mission that was planned by the Godhead in a time before the world was to restore a fallen and blighted world that had fallen into degradation from an angelic rebellion. You see, everything is spiritual and for many, this is where some toss aside anything that hearkens to the supernatural. This darkened dissonance is witness to the heart and mind of fallen humanity. It is descriptive of those who have eyes but see not and have ears but hear not.

(Jeremiah 5:21)  Hear now this, O foolish people, and without understanding; that have eyes, and see not; that have ears, and hear not: 

(Ezekiel 12:2)  Son of man, you dwell in the midst of the rebellious house, that have eyes to see, and see not, that have ears to hear, and hear not; for they are a rebellious house." 

There is a wonderful account of healing a man born blind. The story goes beyond a mere recounting of a messianic miracle.

John 9:32  Since the world began it was never heard that any one opened the eyes of a man born blind. John 9:39  And Jesus said, For judgment came I into this world, that they that see not may see; and that they that see may become blind. 

When our eyes are opened to Spiritual realities we are filled with the desire to help others to regain sight and deliver them from the veil of deception which grips the world and has held it in darkness. This reality lies at the heart of the Gospel of Grace which was made known to the apostles two thousand years ago but has been obscured by religion and religious enterprises.

The world we live in is a mysterious place. The reality of a world peopled by invisible spiritual entities around us is not obvious though it is a Biblical fact. Our understanding is limited. The machinations of spiritual forces in this world are veiled just as the proverbial workings of that unseen "man behind the curtain." Paul makes this statement:

Ephesians 6:11 "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6:12  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. 

The people of this world are under a spiritual veil of deception. We are in spiritual bondage to the prince of this world. This bondage was typified by the children of Israel and their bondage under the King of Egypt. The pharaoh typified "The god of this world." It was Moses who brought them out of the house of bondage. In similar fashion it is Jesus of Nazareth who has come to destroy our bondage under the power of the prince of this world. Jesus the Messiah proclaimed his mission in Nazareth as he quoted from the prophet Isaiah.

Christ"s Prophetic Mission

Isaiah 61:1  The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent

me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;  Isaiah

61:2  to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor - -"

Here is where Christ"s mission statement concludes. Jesus omits the portion dealing with wrath and judgment because his calling addresses the year of God"s favor, the acceptable year of the Lord. The day of judgment and coming wrath upon the ungodly is reserved for a time deferred to a future time after the church age concludes. This Age of Grace is a time in which there is an in-gathering of souls including the gentiles from outside of God"s covenant people. A supernatural Redemption is offered to any who accept the offer of righteousness without any other obligation other than to believe in the "gift of God." The church age and in-gathering is foreshadowed in the gospel of John where he ministers to those outside of Israel for two days in Samaria.

I should add this detail which serves as a model and typology of the world. Jesus tells his disciples in Luke Chapter 8 to beware of two things which mitigate against the kingdom of God:

Mark 8:15  And he cautioned them, saying, "Watch out; beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the leaven of Herod." 

Herod Antipas was the tetrarch, a regional ruler of Judea when Jesus ministered in Israel. It was he who had John the Baptist killed and later had a brief audience with Jesus before the crucifixion. Herod exemplified everything worldly. He was ruled by his passions, loved luxury and excess and was blind to anything that was truly Spiritual except as a mere novelty. When Herod asked Jesus the kind of questions the spiritually dead ask, Jesus answered not a word. "- for what communion has light with darkness or the temple of God with Belial." See 2 Corinthians text below.

(2 Corinthians 6:14) Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? (2 Corinthians 6:15) And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believes with an infidel?

(2 Corinthians 6:16) And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people."

Jesus Confronts the God of This World

THE FLESH

Before Jeshua, Jesus began his ministry at or around the age of thirty he had a divine appointment with John the Baptist, the last Old Testament prophet. John is called to herald and the coming Messiah and his ministry. When John baptizes Jesus in the Jordan, The Holy Spirit descends upon Jesus as a dove. From that time forward Jesus is given (anointed and possessed with) the Holy Spirit in full measure. It is the Holy Spirit who drives Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted by the Devil.

The Devil is most often imagined and portrayed by artists in caricature as ugly and frightfully wicked creature, an image of pure evil. People forget that the Devil can appear as an angel of light. The Devil has many names including the Tempter. Jesus is tempted in 3 modes, The flesh, his divine nature and his divine calling pertaining to the rulership of this world. (Matthew Chapter 4.)

Jesus" Temptation in the Wilderness

Jesus with his human frailty, has fasted for forty days and became weak and hungry. He is first tempted to use his divine authority to satisfy fleshly needs. Jesus is weak and hungry. Satan tempts Jesus saying that as the Son of God he has the power to turn stones into bread. This was certainly a real possibility. Jesus answers the tempter with scripture. "Man shall not eat from bread alone but by every word the proceeds from the mouth of God." (Deuteronomy 8:3)

In the next temptation Jesus he is tempted to display his abilities to interact with heavenly beings whenever he may desire their aid. Satan tempts Jesus to throw himself down from the temple to demonstrate that angels will come to his rescue, Jesus quotes scripture again, "You shall not tempt the Lord the God." (Deuteronomy 6:16)

Satan"s final test is an attempt to destroy the entirety of God"s plan to redeem the earth through the seed of the woman. (Genesis 3:15) This would have the effect to leave Satan to have dominion over the planet and continue his role as "the god of this world." He tempts Jesus to a great temptation that he Jesus, can have the rule of this world and its kingdoms without going to the cross and paying the sin dept and the redemption of the world by shedding his own blood. He would in effect, be a vice regent under Lucifer.

(Matthew 4:10) Then Jesus said to him, "Be gone, Satan! For it is written, ""You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.""

(Matthew 4:11) Then the devil left him, and behold, angels came and were ministering to him.

After this temptation, the Devil left him until a more appropriate season.
These came at various times and through various mouths including Simon Peter and later in the taunting mouths at the crucifixion.

The World and The Flesh That Affects Each of Us

Here is where we can identify the blindness unto which each person is born. Here I speak of Spiritual blindness. It is a condition which most religious people called being born in sin. I prefer the expression "a sin nature" because that is inextricable from every soul born in this age regardless of degree.

We are caught in a trap that we did not choose. It is and was a condition of our inheritance as an heir to the first man and woman. Yes, the story of the "Garden of Eden" is part of the curse that we are born into. If that seems stupid or zany so be it. It is a foundation pillar of God"s cosmology and mystery of redemption. We are under Adam"s curse from which came death, misery and strife.

THE FLESH - - Sin, Sinners, and The Fallen Nature

The Bible is clear we are ALL sinners. Sin is something that can be measured and quantified by OUR thoughts and our deeds. Sin is defined as "missing the mark." The gift of salvation is often described as being rescued from sin. I am going to stress the point that our propensity to sin results of our fallen nature. It is an inescapable reality regardless of our degree of degradation. Whether we are small sinners or great sinners we would be destined to pay the sin dept which is death! That is unless there is someone who could rescue us. This is the need for a Redeemer!

(Romans 2:12) For all who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law, and all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law.

(Romans 3:22) the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: (Romans 3:23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."

(Isaiah 53:5) But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. (Isaiah 53:6 - OT) All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned"every one"to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

Most churches and evangelistic outreaches speak of the human race being comprised of sinners. That is true. They also teach and conclude that we all need to "saved". That too is true. But, how do we actually deal with this sin matter? This is where we may hear a message that suggest that we must try not to sin in order to please God. Human will would then need to be the answer or method of living "sin free."

Now we must ask, "Do we earn the right to have our names written in the Book of Life?" Christ died for our sins. What does that mean? Do we follow the teachings of one religion or another that says "yes, or yes, but?"

Among the entire spectrum of humanity and through history there appear to be greater sinners and lesser sinners. Some imagine their list of offenses to be less severe than others. Thus one may think of differences in terms of degrees of punishment, or levels in hell. Roman Catholic priests give "last rights" to absolve those who are at death"s door. They believe they have the authority to absolve sins by virtue of their priestly office.

I spoke with one elderly fellow to share the gospel many years back. When I said we need a Savior to save us from our sins he replied, "I never had much interest in sinning."

If we look at sin as a measured commodity then we miss the greater truth of the "Sin Nature" that saddles, shackles and blinds every soul that comes to breath air on this planet.

Blindness of our Sin Nature and its Ramifications

As the blind man in John Chapter 9 was blind from birth so are each of us born with a fatal spiritual condition. We are all spiritually blind to the fact that we are fallen and bear the mark of "sinner" and the sentence of death. No church or religious authority has the power to open our eyes. But he who formed us in the womb is able to make us altogether new again. It is the act of a supernatural, Almighty God who is above any human institution or office. Study and knowledge give insights but does not have the power to open our spiritual eyes. The natural man or woman can not receive from God even when gifted with intellectual brilliance.

(1 Corinthians 2:13) Which things also we speak, not in words which man's wisdom teaches but which the Spirit teaches; combining spiritual things with spiritual words. (1 Corinthians 2:14) Now the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him; and he cannot know them, because they are spiritually judged."

When men or women, and here we speak of natural-minded people, whether priests, imams or shaman, purpose to approach the realm of heavenly things through a route other than the Gospel of Christ, they indeed come into the domain of spiritual powers. These however, are the elemental forces of this world and are under the dominion of the Prince of the Power of the Air, another name for the deceiver, Satan. Paul speaks of there being gods many. Indeed in Hinduism it is said they may recognize millions.

The Way of Salvation, Saved Once and Forever?

There is a great theological debate over the question of "once saved always saved."

Can those whose sines God has pardoned and given the free gift of eternal life have that gift removed? It has been my experience that the majority of Bible training schools and seminaries who graduate religious professionals hold the belief that salvation is very fluid. One day we are in good standing with our Redeemer and the next day, through some infraction, are on the outside looking in.

We were blind and now see. We were dead in trespasses and sins but are now "made alive."

(Ephesians 2:5) even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ"by grace you have been saved"

(1 Corinthians 15:22) For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.

(Colossians 2:13) And you, who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with him, having forgiven us all our trespasses,

Theology directs us in studying and gaining knowledge of God. Theological training however may actually become a tool of religious enterprise. By this I mean that they produce a product along with a plan to market that product. These denominational, religious entities contrive outcomes like any corporate entity to endure and to prosper.

This is the way of world. A friend once said, "Roman Catholics have one Pope, protestants have a pope in each church." This comes across as cynical but contains a large measure of truth. I believe we have lost sight of The Way that was first presented to the apostles of Jesus.

(Jude 1:3) Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints.

The apostle Jude says a lot in his brief letter. Jude provides a measuring tool for all churches that followed the apostles through the centuries up to the present day. How much have we altered the perfect message of the good news and the power of the gospel? In this modern day church are we under law or under grace? Have we become new creations, seated with the Lord in heavenly places or are we still living in unbelief, half blind and following blind guides who possess a form of godliness but deny the power of God? Are we sharing in the ministry of the Body of Christ or are we merely the sheep that can only hear stories of a God of the past and fables of saints and sages long ago? Are we each ministering with our gift that was provided to inspire and mature our brethren in the faith and others who are yet to have their eyes opened?

Those who are born of the Spirit can not be unborn. We are called out of darkness into the marvelous light by the Grace of God, which is the gift of Christ Jesus. We who have tasted of the good things of the world to come can not be dissuaded regarding God"s great and precious promises.

Today he still stands at the door and knocks and beckons us to draw near to him in assurance that we shall not face the wrath which is yet to come.

The flesh is weak but our heavenly Shepherd comes to rescue us and lead us into paths of righteousness. The man Christ Jesus gave us the Spirit of Truth and eyes to see while the world remains in blindness partaking of the false and fatal promises of it ruler who remains in control for just a little while longer.

Attributes of Those Who Have Been Redeemed

Those who God calls and rescues from this present world begin to bear the resemblance of our Heavenly Father who called us. It happens little by little, to some more quickly than others depending upon our Spiritual nurture.

I would state that certain things should be in evidence. First an interest and an openness to study, to hear about and investigate the Word of Truth which is The Bible. The wonders of the Word and Excellence of Christ Jesus are subjects from which we earnestly seek and desire to share.

Next I think we will have a desire to gather with others who have experience the gift of God. We gather with them and hold them in esteem and we recognize their importance to ourselves. These make up God"s family. The family of God is worthy of true, unfeigned affection. We are spiritually in touch with their joys and their sorrows. We rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those in sorrow.

The old life filled with coarseness, depravity, self-centeredness, sensual excesses and addictions begin to fall away as the Holy Spirit does his work of renewal. The "fruits of the Spirit" are a byproduct of redemption as we read in Galatians:

(Galatians 5:21) envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the

kingdom of God. (Galatians 5:22) But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, (Galatians 5:23) gentleness,

self-control; against such things there is no law. (Galatians 5:24) And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and

desires."

The fullness of redemption awaits those whose names are written in the Book of Life. What we enjoy now is described as an earnest or down-payment of our heavenly future. This we know, that those who are "In Christ" are brand new creations and heavenly things are quickly manifesting. We know we have passed from death into life and from spiritual blindness into light. We are alive because He is Alive! The things of this world are coming to an end.

If you have found value in this teaching,
I would ask you to share with others who might also gain knowledge from it.
Thank you.

C. Pinkney, 11/23/2024